Attorney Blog

Portion of U.S. 17 Closed After Accident.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Emergency officials had to close part of Highway 17 Bypass near Inlet Square Mall Thursday afternoon after a car accident. The accident happened at 1:03 pm and the southbound lanes were closed for over an hour while emergency crews cleared the scene.
Troopers are continuing to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

New Campaign Convinces Teens Not to Text While Driving

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Statistics from the SC Highway Patrol state that car accidents are the leading cause of death in young drivers. 165 young drivers aged 15 to 24 died on SC highways last year due to distracted driving. Part of the issue that causes so many tragic lost lives is texting while driving. That is why the highway patrol and Subway restaurants have kicked off a new campaign called W8 2 TXT Safe Driver Awareness.
The goal of the campaign is to promote the importance of not texting while dirivng and to get students to take a plede against it. The campaign hopes to keep preventable tragic accidents from happening on South Carolina roadways. For more information on the campaign and to sign a virtual pledge, visit www.w82txtpledge.com.

Midlands Man Killed in Car Accident, Driver Charged with DUI

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A woman who survived a car accident Saturday afternoon in Laurens County has been charged with felony DUI after her husband died as a result of the crash. 24-year-old Amanda Dickert was the driver in a crash that occurred around 4 pm on Highway 14 near Wilson Road in Laurens County. Dickert was driving with her husband when she collided with a 1979 Chrysler driven by Phyllis Lyons. The cars were heading in opposite directions at the time of the accident.
Dickert's husband died at the scene of the accident from injuries to the neck and chest. Dickert was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Amanda Dickert was flown to the hospital to be treated for injuries and was charged Monday with felony DUI. The other driver was treated at a local emergency room.
The accident remains under investigation by the police.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Cyclist Dies After Crash with School Bus

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Berkeley County Cornoner's office has stated that Addison Robinson, Jr., 49, died after his bicycle collided with a school bus. The accident happened at 5:37 pm when the school bus which was traveling east on Universal Circle hit the man and bicycle after Robinson veered in front of the bus. Three students were on the bus and were uninjured in the accident. Robinson was flown to MUSC where he later died from his injuries.
The police will continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Electrocuted After Colliding with Utility Pole

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A man was involved in a car accident early Tuesday morning died after he got out of his car and was electrocuted by a live power line from a utility pole. The accident happened at 3:15 am in the 400 block of Kyzer Road in Lexington county. The victim was identified as George Magoolaghan. He lost control of his Honda Odyssey and hit a utility pole. He exited the vehicle and then came into contact with a live downed power line. He was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries.
The accident remains under investigation.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Domestic Call Ends in Car Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Darlington County deputies responded to a domestic situation Saturday night and the situation escaled into a car chase and subsequent car accident. The 911 call said that a man was fighting with his wife and threatening to shoot her. When officers got to the scene, Terry Dubose, 35, got in his truck and left.
Authorties tried to stop Dubose and he began a chase. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed at the intersection of Broad and S. Main Street in Darlington. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries, and will be charged with criminal domestic violence, failure to stop for blue lights, and DUI.
The crash is still under investigation by the highway patrol.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Florence Crash Kills Loris Teenager

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Thursday night crash in Florence killed a Loris teenager. Amber Michelle Menus, 17, died at the scene when her Ford Explorer collided with an 18-wheeler commercial wood chip truck at the intersection of SC 327 and Old Marion Highway. Several other people were injured in the accident and were trasported to the hospital.
The accident is still under investigation by the authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Driver Charged After Wreck with Police Officer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Friday morning car crash sent one North Charleston police officer to the hospital. The accident happened on Ashley Phosphate road when the officer was struck by a Toyota trying to make a left turn. The driver of the Toyota, Kristle Cassel, was charged with failure to yield the right of way.
The accident is still being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Charged with DUI After Wreck Injures Teenage Girl

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 16-year-old was hospitalized after the car she was driving was hit by a drunk driver. The accident happened Thursday at 8:10 pm on Highway 260 in Clarendon County when Clarence Vaughn hit Brittani Steen's car. She was driving west when Vaughn veered over the center line and hit her head-on. She was ejected from the vehicle in the course of the accident.
Vaughn was charged with felony DUI, open container, and operating an uninsured vehicle. The police will continue to investigate.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

One Dead After Single Car Accident

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One man is dead after a car accident in Dillon County Sunday morning. The accident happened around 2:40 am on Pleasant Hill Road. The driver was traveling north when the car veered off the right side of the road, then the left side of the road and hit a tree. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as 32-year-old Bobby McAllister.
The police continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Motorcyclist Air Lifted to Hospital After Accident

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A man was air lifted to Carolinas Medical Center after a motorcycle accident Wednesday afternoon in Lancaster County. The accident happened on Great Falls Road near Memorial Park Road around 3:10 pm. Robert Junior White, 53, became trapped under a car after the driver a 1992 Honda hit him and his Harley Davidson motorcycle as he was pulling onto the road from a private driveway. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and the driver of the car was unharmed.
The police continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC motorcycle accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Gaston Man Dead After Early Morning Accident

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Gaston man is dead after a single car accident early Tuesday morning in Lexington County. The accident happened at 12:18 am when 37-year-old Larry Conrad Davies, III was traveling southbound on Glenn Road when he ran off the left side of the roadway in a curve. The vehicle struck a tree, a culvert pipe, a power pole, and a fence before overturning and hitting a second tree. Davies was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington Coroner's office and the SC Highway Patrol.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Kia Recalling 145,000 Vehicles Due to Airbag Defect

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Kia Motors America has announced that it will recall 2006-2008 Kia Optimas and 2007-2008 Rondos because of a faulty air bag release system. The recall of vehicles will affect 145,000 cars. The defect is described as the clock spring contact assembly for the driver's side air bag can become damaged
over time causing the warning to light on the dashboard to display. this can potentially cause the air to fail to deploy in the event of a crash.
According to Kia, if the clock spring contact assembly becomes damaged, the electrical circuit that is required to deploy the air bag could experience a high resistance condition. Kia Motors also stated they would notify owners and replace the faulty assembly at no cost to the owners. The recall is scheduled to begin in March.
For more information, consumers can call 800-333-4542.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Motorist Dies After Head On Crash

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One person is dead after a head on collision Saturday afternoon on SC 41 near Lake View. Nelson Grissett, 59, died after his 2001 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck was hit head on by a 1998 Chevrolet Z-71 truck that crossed the center line. The Z-71's driver was taken to a Florence medical center to be treated for injuries. A child in that truck was restrained properly and was not injured in the accident.
Grissett was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation by authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Horry County Man Dead After Being Hit by Car

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Horry County police state that Wallace Parmley died Saturday night after being struck by a car on Red Bluff Road near Highway 905. He was hit by a 2009 Saturn around 6:45 pm as he was walking in the road. The driver will not be charged because Parmley was wearing dark clothing and it is illegal to walk in the roadway instead of on the side of the highway. He was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries.
The police continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Teen Dies in Car Crash

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An Andrews teen was killed in a single car accident early Sunday morning in Kingstree. The accident happened around 3:30 am on Santee Road when the driver of a 2008 Toyota ran off the road and hit an embankment. The victim was identified as Meagan Elizabeth Piatt. The police say that Piatt was not wearing her seatbelt properly at the time of the accident.
The accident remains under investigation by authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Car Hits Police Cruiser, then Building; Driver Charged with DUI

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The SC Highway patrol says that a 21-year-old has been arrested and charged with DUI after he crashed into a police cruiser and then a restaurant storefront Saturday morning. Joshua Waters was taken to a Columbia hospital to be treated for injuries after police say he ran a red light while crossing Sumter Street at Hampton Street, hit a police cruiser and then crashed into the front of Greek Boys Restaurant.
The police officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Waters has been charged with DUI.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

One Person Dead in Dillon County Accident

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Dillon County woman was killed early Sunday morning after she crashed into a parked vehicle. The accident happened around 6:49 am on Smithboro Road after the driver ran a stop sign and hit a parked vehicle on private property. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Rachel Tijerina.
The SC Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

One Person Injured After Boats Collide in Berkeley County

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One person was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries after two boats collided on Tailrace Canal in Berkeley County Saturday afternoon. The EMS responded to the scene. The accident is still under investigation and the injured person is expected to recover.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC boat/jet ski accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling boat/jet ski accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

4 Dead After Car Hits Building and Catches Fire

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Columbia police have stated that four people died after the car they were in crashed into a building and caught fire. The accident happened around 5:00 am at 960 George Rogers Blvd. The car crashed at a high rate of speed into the Farm Bureau Insurance building. The car then burst into flames and no one was able to escape. George Rogers Blvd. near the state fair grounds was closed for several hours while emergency crews worked the scene.
The investigation and indentification process continue by authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Driver Charged With DUI Following Deadly Accident on Highway 90

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old man has been charged with two counts of felony DUI after the car he was driving flipped into a ditch and ejected one passenger. Ryan Douglas Roszel has been charged with DUI with great bodily injury and one count of felony DUI resulting in death. Roszel was the driver of a 1997 Honda that crashed Saturday night on Highway 90 near Carriage Lake Drive. The vehicle flipped into a ditch, trapped one person inside, and ejected a second passenger.
The victim was identified as 34-year-old Gail Lynch. Roszel and the other passenger were transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries and Roszel was later arrested and charged. The accident remains under investigation by the authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

One Killed in Surfside Beach Accident

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Troopers from the South Carolina Highway Patrol have stated that a pedestrian was struck and killed on U.S. 17 Business early Saturday morning in Surfside Beach. The accident occurred around 12:15 am on the 1700 Block of 17 Business. The victim has been identified as 50-year-old James Monroe Johnson. He died from multiple traumas sustained in the crash. Officials have not released the cause of the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

3 Car Pile up on Ravenel Bridge Friday Morning

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A three car accident snarled traffic Friday morning on the Ravenel Bridge. The accident occurred around 8:45 am in the southbound lanes near Coleman Blvd. Two lanes of the bridge were blocked as a result of the accident. One driver suffered minor injuries when the air bag deployed.
The accident is under investigation by officials.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Accident in Columbia Claims Life

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident around 12:38 a.m. Thursday morning about a half mile south of Batesburg-Leesville. 42-year-old Sylvester Anderson, Jr. was injured in the head a chest in the accident. He was driving a 4-door Nissan south on S.C. 23 when the car went off the right side of the road and collided with a telephone box. The car then crossed the left side of the road and overturned. Anderson was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. He died from his injuries around 2:00 a.m.
The Highway Patrol will continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

West Columbia Woman Dies in Accident

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A fatal accident involving a West Columbia woman happened near Leaphart Road Thursday morning. Sheila H. Casserly, 40, was driving south on Chris Drive when she lost control of her car, ran off the road and hit a tree. She was not wearing a seatbelt in the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation by the coroner's office and the SC Highway Patrol.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Ford Recalling 450,000 Minivans and SUV's

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of over 450,000 minivans and SUV's because of a pair of mechanical issues. 205,896 Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans made during 2004-2005 model years because their torque converter output shaft mail fail. If this occurs, there could be a sudden loss of power that can cause an accident.
Ford is also recalling 244,530 Escape SUV's made during 2001-2002 model years because the brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid. If it leaks, it can corrode electrical connectors in the vehicle's braking system and lead to melting, smoke or a fire.
With both recalls, Ford says it will inform the affected owners and dealers will replace the parts for free. Owners of the SUV's will begin being notified the week of Jan. 23rd. Owners are urged to park the vehicles outside until the repairs can be made. For more information, contact Ford Motor Company.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Pelion Man Dies After Weekend Auto Accident

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Pelion man died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car accident over the weekend. The accident happened on Sunday at the intersection of James Dunbar Road and Calks Ferry Road in Pelion. Vasquez-Perez was driving a 1995 Pontiac eastbound on James Dunbar Road when he went off the right side, overcorrected, and then went off the left side and hit a utility pole. He was taken to the hospital after the accident, but did not survive.
The accident remains under investigation by the authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Victim Identified After Fatal Car Accident in Charleston

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 31-year-old Ladson man has died after a single car accident Monday night on Maybank Highway. Robert Session died of blunt force trauma in the accidnet on Wadmalaw Island. The accident shut down the highway for several hours after 10:00 pm Monday night.
The Charleston County sheriff's office are still investigating the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Police Investigate After Fatal Collision in Kershaw County

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers have confirmed one driver is dead after a collision on U.S. 521 on Friday. The driver of a 1995 Buick crossed into the opposite lane and hit a Nissan head-on carrying two women and a child.
Both drivers were airlifted to Palmetto Richland Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Buick later died at the hospital from the injuries sustained in the crash.
The accident is still under investigation by the authorities.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Lexington County Teenager Killed in Single Car Accident

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Batesburg-Leesville teenager was killed Sunday afternoon when he was thrown from the SUV he was driving. The coroner says that Joshua Jackson was heading south on Neely Wingard Road around 1:30 pm with his mother when he lost control of the SUV he was driving and it crashed and rolled several times. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the SUV and died at the scene from his injuries. The boy's mother was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.
The Lexington County Coroner's Office and the S.C. Highway Patrol are still investigating the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

2 Die in Georgetown County Accident

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that two men died after their car crashed into a log truck in
Georgetown County. The accident occurred around 9:45 pm Friday night on Powell Road when a 2011 Chevy
Corvette hit a log truck that was backing into a private driveway. The two victims were identified as Willie
Duncan, 58, and Willie Deas, 57. They both died at the scene from blunt force trauma. The driver of the log
truck was not injured in the accident.
The crash remains under investigation by the SC Highway patrol.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick
Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North
Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Victim Identified

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Charleston County deputies have identified the victim from a fatal motorcycle accident that occured Saturday evening. The accident happened at 5:25 pm near the intersection of Lincolnville and Ladson road. The victim was identified as 57-year-old John McKillop and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another person suffered severe injuries in the accident. Unfortunately, McKillop was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accidnet.
Police continue to investigate the accident to determine exactly what happened.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC motorcycle accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Dillon Man Dies After Crashing Car Into Tree

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Dillon man has died after being thrown from his car in a collision with a tree on Marion Street. He crashed after leading police on a chase. The driver of the car, Kevin Maurice Dickerson, 30, died at the hospital after the accident. Dickerson had a number of outstanding warrants in both North Carolina and South Carolina and deputies with the Sheriff's office and the Marion County Combined Drug Unit and U.S. Marshals were in the area searching for Dickerson shortly before the crash.
The police are still investigating the accident and reconstructing the scene.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Bicyclist Dies in Tuesday Evening Accident with SUV

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 60-year-old Darlington man died Tuesday night from injuries sustained in bicycle accident. The victim, Carl Spann, was traveling west in the east-bound lane of East 7 Pines Street near U.S. 401 when he ran head-on into a Jeep Laredo around 7:15 p.m.
The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident and will not face charges because bicycles are required by law to ride with traffic. The bicycle also had no reflectors and Spann was also wearing dark clothing.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Head Injuries In Children Can Lead to Long-Term Effects

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A study published in November 2011 in Pediatrics magazine indicates a strong link between head trauma in children and long-term negative health effects. It is also noted in the article that moderate to severe head injuries can lead to "substantial long-term reduction" of a child's quality of life.
In the study, several hundred children under the age of 18, who had suffered head injuries were included as test subjects. The child's pre-injury conditions were reviewed and contrasted with the after effects of their injuries. This information was compared to 200 other children who were treated at the same hospital for non-serious, non-head injuries. The study showed that kids who suffered a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury experienced lasting effects from the injury to include difficulty with everyday tasks like teeth brushing, social interactions, memory, depression, and attentiveness. In the most severe cases, the children had a lower quality of life than children undergoing treatment for cancer. It was also noted in the study that those children with severe deficits were not likely to make any significant improvement after two years following the head injury.
The major point of the article and study was to bring awareness to childhood head injuries and especially to those injuries that can be avoided by wearing a helmet. Many injuries in outdoor recreation type activities can be avoided with helmets and gates can prevent young children from falling down stairs. Most of all, however, is just being an attentive parent. Keeping a close on on your children and their activities is the best way to protect them, and if they become injured, know the signs and symptoms of a serious head injury.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC traumatic brain injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at the The Derrick Law Firm has been handling traumatic brain injury cases in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Charged in Fatal Lexington DUI Crash Convicted of DUI Previously

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Gilbert man has been charged with felony DUI after killing a 6-year-old girl and injuring four others Sunday morning. 26-year-old Billy Hutto ran a red light at the intersection of Sunset Boukevard and Old Cherokee Road around 10:40 a.m. Sunday morning and slammed into the site of a minivan carrying a family of 6. The crash killed 6-year-old Emma Longstreet. Lexington police had previously charged Hutto with DUI and operating an uninsured vehicle in February 2009 after a breathalyzer showed his blood alcohol to be more than .16. The Highway Patrol's MAIT team is investigating the accident to reconstruct the crash and show the speed and force of impact of Hutto's Jeep when it struck the minivan on Sunday.
Hutto remains behind bars at the Lexington County Detention Center.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Charged with DUI After Single Car Accident on I-20

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol states that one person has been charged with DUI after a single car accident on I-20 Sunday afternoon. 25-year-old Alejandro Vasquez was driving down I-20 when he ran off the left side of the road and hit the cables in the median. He was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries and was later released. He was then arrested and charged with DUI and driving without a driver's license.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Lexington County Teen Dies in Pickup Truck Accident

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 17-year-old Lexington boy died Wednesday after he sustained injuries in a pickup truck accident. The accident happened on Founders Road in Lexington around 3:22 p.m. Jonathan Lee Humphrey, II was the passenger in a Ford Ranger pickup truck that crashed. The driver of the truck, David C. Onley, 45, has been charged with felony driving under the influence involving death. Neither one was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Humphrey was transported to Palmetto Health Richland where he later died. The accident remains under investigation by the police.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Accident With Injuries on Highway 701 Wednesday Afternoon

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported a car accident Wednesday afternoon on Highway 701 in Horry County. The accident happened around 1:30 pm near Baker's Chapel. According to the reports, a Chevy Blazer was going towards the beach on 701 crossed over the center line and hit a truck pulling a horse trailer and a Nissan sedan.
The driver of the Blazer was taken to Conway Medical Center and the driver of the Nissan was air-lifted to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. The police stated that the driver of the Blazer may face charges in the accident. Highway 701 near Highway 22 was closed for a while to allow for crews to clear the scene.
The police continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Single Car Accident Kills Harsville Man

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident Monday night killed one Hartsville man. The collision occurred on Kelleytown Road in Darlington Monday night around 8:00 pm when the driver of a 2006 Chevy going north ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and crossed to the left side and then hit a mailbox and a tree. The driver, who was identified as Michael Antone Thomas, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was killed. There were not any other passengers in the car.
The police continue to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Fatal Car Accident in Dillon County Christmas Eve

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported a death of a Pee Dee man in Dillon County late Christmas eve night. The Dillon County Coroner said the JC Thompson was killed when he was struck by a 2011 PT Cruiser traveling westbound on Grain Bend Road. Thompson was walking in the road and was wearing dark clothing.
The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Motorcyclist Killed In DUI Related Accident

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman has been charged with felony DUI related to an accident involving a motorcycle Friday evening around 10:55 pm in Kershaw County. Michael Gaskins was driving south on Highway 341 when he hit a van being driven by Michelle Anthony as it pulled out of a private driveway. Gaskins was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and was killed. Anthony and 4 other passengers in the van were sent to the hospital to be treated for injuries.
Anthony has been charged with felony DUI, child endangerment, driving under suspension, a child restraint violation, and an alcohol violation. The highway patrol and the MAIT team continues to investigate the accident.
If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC motorcycle accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Garners Ferry Road Auto Accident Kills One

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident overnight on Garners Ferry Road in Columbia killed a woman and injured a child passenger. The woman who was driving failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was involved in an accident. She was not wearing her seatbelt and neither was the child in the car. According to reports the passengers in the other car were not injured.

The police are continuing to investigate the accident.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Information Needed In Orangeburg Fatal Hit-and-Run

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 50-year-old man has died after an early morning hit-and-run on Sunday in Orangeburg. The man was walking with a woman on Sugar Hill Road near Holly Hill around 5:00 am when they were struck by an vehicle. The man died instantly at the scene and the woman was transported to a nearby hospital.

The police are continuing to investigate the accident and look for the vehicle and driver involved.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Moped Driver Killed After Accident with SUV

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The driver of a moped is dead after an accident with an SUV Monday evening. 56-year-old David Helms was traveling on U.S. 378 around 6:15 pm when he attempted to turn onto Highway 763 and was hit by an oncoming SUV. Helms was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC motorcycle accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

I-20 Crash Kills Sumter Man Saturday

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 75-year-old Sumter man has died after the car he was riding in ran off of I-20 around mile marker 133 and rolled several times. The man was identified as William Howard. The crash occurred around 4:00 pm when a 1998 Nissan ran off the right side of the road, back onto the road, abd then off again before it rolled. The driver was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The crash is still under investigation by the police.

Woman Killed Early Sunday in Crash near Orangeburg

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman was killed early Sunday morning in a car accident in Orangeburg County. The accident happened on Neeses Highway around 2:30 am after the driver of a 1999 Nissan was driving west on the highway and ran off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected, went off the left side of the road and hit a drain pipe. The car overturned and the female passenger was ejected. She was identified as 38-year-old Eva Nicole Wright. None of the people int he car were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

The Highway Patrol continue to investigate the accident.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Chapin Man Killed in Single Car Accident

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Chapin man has been killed after a single car accident Saturday. Justin A Gorman, 21, was driving south on Amicks Ferry Road in Chapin when he lost control of his 1999 Mazda. The car crossed the road and hit a tree. He was wearing a seatbelt but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The highway patrol and the coroner's office are still investigating the accident.

Fatal Hit and Run Accident in Marion County

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident in Marion County Wednesday evening. The accident occured around 6:20 pm on US 76 East in front of the Little Pee Dee Manor outside of Mullins. A male victim was struck by a vehicle and killed instantly. The female driver of the car did not stop but was apprehended by the police not far from the accident scene.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate this accident and is working to identify the victim.

One Killed in Truck Accident Near Chapin

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

One man has died after a pick-up truck accident near Chapin late Monday night. The accident happened around 10:40 pm in the 1100 block of Dreher Island Road when Jerome A. Wozniak ran off the road, hit a telephone pole, a power pole, and came to a stop against a tree. The coroner says Wozniak was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner's office.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Ford Recalls Fusion and Mercury Milan Models for Wheel Defect

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ford is recalling 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles that are equipped with 17 inch steel wheels after discovering a defect in which the wheel studs may fracture. In the 128,616 vehicles affected by the recall, multiple stud fractures could occur at the wheel location causing vehicle vibrations while driving. If ignored, wheel seperation could occur. The wheel seperating from the vehicle can pose serious risks for significant injuries. However, Ford has stated it knows of no accidents or injuries due to the defect.

The recalled vehicles were built between April 1-April 30th 2009 and December 1, 2009 to November 13, 2010. Owners of the cars will be notified at the beginning of January and dealers will inspect the rear brake disc surface and replace discs at no charge if necessary. The lug nuts will also be replaced in all the vehicles.

For more information, owners can contact Ford or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.

Pee Dee Bridge Crash Causes Traffic Delays

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three car accident on Saturday in Florence caused traffic delays for over an hour. The accident happened on US 76/301 on the Pee Dee River bridge around 5:51 pm. A Honda collided with a Ford Taurus which had broken down and was stalled in the roadway. After the Honda hit the Ford, a Chevy SUV struck both of them. Several people were taken to area hospitals to be treated for injuries after the accident.

The accident continues to be investigated by the police.

Motorcyclist Killed in I-26 Accident

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Authorities have identified the man killed in an I-26 motorcycle accident Saturday morning. The victim, 52-year-old Robert Lovell was riding his Harley Davidson westbound on I-26 near mile marker 187 when he drove into the median on and crashed into the trees. He was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other cars were involved in the accident.

The police continue to investigate the accident.

School Bus Driver Charged in Crash

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A school bus was involved in a collision with an SUV Friday afternoon on 21st Avenue. The collision left the SUV on its roof. The school bus was trying to turn left onto 21st Avenue from Dunbar Street when it clipped the SUV. Three of the five occupants of the SUV were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. No students were on the bus at the time of the accident, and the driver of the bus has been charged with failure to yield right of way.

Tractor-Trailer Accident Closes Robert Grissom Parkway Friday Morning

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 18-wheeler overturned on Robert Grissom Parkway Friday morning and the northbound lanes were closed for almost 5 hours while crews worked to flip the tractor-trailer back over. The accident happened around 6:40 am and the driver of the truck was ok but did request medical attention. The 18-wheeler was leaking fluids after the crash but the leak was taken care of. The police are continuing to investigate the accident.

Driver Charged in Crash Involving School Bus and Tractor Trailer

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tractor-trailer, car, and Berkeley County school bus were involved in an accident Thursday morning on Highway 45 in front of J.K. Gourdin Elementary School. The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the accident and determined that the school bus had just finished picking up a student on Highway 45 when a black Nissan tried to pass the bus on a double yellow line. The Nissan hit the back of the bus, veered left, and was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer. One student from the bus was transported to the hospital as well as the driver of the Nissan. Leslie Boone, the driver of the Nissan was cited for improper passing on a double yellow line.

Florence Motorcycle Accident Kills One

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The victim of a fatal motorcycle accident Wednesday night in Florence has been identified as 36-year-old Joseph Clinton Gaskins. The accident occurred near Scranton when Gaskins hit the back of a tractor-trailer that was parked on the side of West Lee Flowers Road. The accident remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC motorcycle accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Hartsville Crash Leaves One Man Dead

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol states that an accident Tuesday afternoon in Hartsville killed a 60-year-old man. The driver of the car was driving a 2005 Mustang and was traveling on Mainsail Road in Hartsville when he ran off the road and hit a tree. Roger Burleson was the passenger in the car and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was killed in the accident. The driver was taken to the hospital.

The police continue to investigate the accident.

Single Car Accident Kills One Man

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident Monday night in Lee County on U.S. 15 killed a 21-year-old man. The man was driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Galant southbound on U.S. 15 just after 9 pm when he ran off the right side of the road into a ditch and overturned.

The accident remains under investigation by the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against SC Department of Public Safety

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The family of a Taylors man has filed a wrongful death suit against the S.C. Department of Public Safety for the crash that took the man's life. On March 4, 2011 Everett Hancock was traveling east on Wade Hampton Boulevard. He tried to make a left turn onto Rutherford Road and his SUV was hit broadside by a State Transport Police cruiser going 29 mph over the speed limit with no lights or sirens on. Officer Gerald Sims, Jr was charged and pleaded guilty to driving too fast for conditions. He paid a fine and was reprimanded by the DPS.

Hancock was killed in the accident and his niece and nephew have filed a wrongful death suit against the agency claiming they were negligent in hiring Sims because he had previously been involed in 2 crashes while working as a law enforcement officer.

According the DPS, they do review a driving record before hiring someone but did not state which traffic charges would disqualify a candidate. The DPS has filed an answer to the suit denying all claims of negligence and stated that Hancock caused the accident by turning against oncoming traffic.

The family will continue to pursue justice and answers for the loss of their loved one.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC wrongful death attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at the The Derrick Law Firm has been handling wrongful death cases in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Parents Still Fighting for Traffic Light After Another Accident at Cane Bay High School

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Parents are continuing to advocate for a traffic light in front of Cane Bay High School in Berkeley County after another accident occured Sunday night. According to reports 4 boys were leaving basketball practice and pulling onto Highway 176 when the accident happened. They were all taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Reports also state that the Berkeley County Transportation Committee agreed to fund the traffic light and sent the money to the SC DOT in October. However, the money sent is only able to cover a basic traffic light and the developer wants a light that is twice as expensive as the standard traffic light. The developer has agreed to cover the extra cost, but it is unclear if the payment has been sent.

Parents will continue to speak up until the light is installed.

Carjacking Leads Police on Chase Through Three Counties

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman who witnessed a car flipping was the victim of a car carjacking. Lonnie Lamar Hazelton was the driver of the car that flipped, got out of the damaged vehicle and then stole the car of the woman who stopped to help him around 8PM Friday . The chase started in Charleston County and shots were fired at officers near McClellanville. Hazelton then abandoned the car and stole a second vehicle in Georgetown. Georgetown County Sherrif's deputies responded to the chase and spotted the car just north of the North Santee River on Highway 17. The deputies car came into contact with the stolen car and then Hazelton crashed into the woods. Hazelton exited the car again and officers spotted a handgun on the ground behind him. Hazelton was arrested and taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Luckily, no one was injured during the accidents or the chase.

The police continue to investigate the chase and SLED is also investigating due to shots being fired.

Body Discovered in the Median of I-26

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A body was discovered by mowing crews on I-26 in Harleyville Thursday afternoon. The coroner says that the
remains appear to be male and that it seemed the victim was struck by a "dual wheel vehicle" like a tractor-trailer or large pick-up truck at least 1 month ago.

An accident reconstruction team is investigating the accident while the authorities continue to work to identify the remains.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Killed on Dirt Bike in Columbia

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

One man has died after a dirt bike collision Wednesday afternoon in West Columbia. 20-year-old Antonio M. Hill died after the dirt bike he was driving in a driveway on Glenn Road lost control and entered the highway and was hit by a truck around 1:45pm. Hill was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The authorities continue to investigate the accident.

Woman Charged with DUI After Driving Wrong Way on I-26

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol stopped a car driving the wrong way on I-26 on Wednesday near St. Andrews in Lexington County. Vanessa Clark of Ladson was charged with DUI when she got on the interstate travelling east in the westbound lanes. Another vehicle was run off the road to avoid a head on collision. The police were able to force her to stop near mile marker 106 and no injuries were reported.

The highway patrol has kicked off a new safety campaign for the holidays targeting impaired drivers.

Serious Head Injuries Occur Due to Fall from Bumbo Baby Seats

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Bumbo International are again urging parents and caregivers never to place Bumbo baby seats on tables, countertops, chairs and other raised surfaces because of the serious risk of injury.

At least 45 incidents have occurred in which infants fell out of the Bumbo seat while it was being used on an elevated surface. 17 infants suffered skull fractures after falling from the seats since the initial recall in October 2007. The CPSC and Bumbo are also aware of 50 additional reports of infants falling or maneuvering out of the seats even while they were placed on the floor and becomming injured after hitting their heads on the floor or nearby toys.

The CPSC and Bumbo continue to warn parents and caretakers about the risks and urge them to take all safety precautions.

Man Dies in Thanksgiving Motorcycle Crash

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Great Falls man has died after a motorcycle accident on Thanksgiving day. 55-year-old Michael Broome was driving west on S.C. 97 Thursday when he veered into the path of 1999 Nissan heading in the opposite direction. The impact of the head-on collision caused Broome to be thrown off his Harley Davidson. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, however he still died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The Highway Patrol investigated the accident.

Crash Closes Northbound Lanes of Highway 17 Bypass

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A multiple car accident Wednesday morning closed the 2 north bound lanes of Highway 17 Bypass near Coastal Grand Mall. A least one person was injured in the accident which involved 3 other vehicles. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and rescue crews were able to clear the scene and reopen all lanes to traffic.

The Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident.

High School Football Player Killed in Car Accident

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Dillon County Coroner confirms that a Dillon High School football player was killed early Wednesday morning in a car accident on Highway 57 South. James Wright David, Jr. ran off the road and over corrected and lost control of his car. He died from injuries sustained in the accident. A passenger in the car, Tykel Madison was taken to the hospital but is ok.

The police are still investigating the accident.

Car Runs Red Light Injures Self and Others

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two people were injured after a car sped through a red light and crashed into another vehicle in North Charleston Tuesday night. The North Charleston Police Department says around 8 pm an officer attempted a traffic stop on Ranger Drive and Dorchester Road. The driver did not stop and sped off down Dorchester Road and then ran a red light and crashed into another car. Both drivers were transported to MUSC to be treated for injuries. The accident is still being investigated by the SC Highway Patrol.

Horry County Road Re-Opened After Multi-Car Accident

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A multi-car auto accident Tuesday afternoon on Dick Pond Road caused injuries and major traffic delays. The accident caused a five car pile-up and the road had to be closed while officers worked to clear the scene. At least two people were injured.

The police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Darlington Man Killed While Trying to Cross Highway 52

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Darlington man has been identified after he was fatally struck by an oncoming car Monday evening when he attempted to cross Highway 52. 56-year-old Willie Lee Crag died at a local hospital from injuries he sustained in the accident. He was struck on Highway 52 Business and South Main Street around 7:10 pm. No charges have been filed against the driver yet, however, the police are continuing to investigate the accident.

Child Airlifted After Accident Involving an ATV

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A twelve year old child is conscious again after an accident involving an ATV in Conway Tuesday afternoon. According to reports, the child was ejected from the ATV off of Hampton Road. The child was airlifted to MUSC to be treated. The authorities are continuing to investigate the accident to determine how the child was ejected from the ATV.

Myrtle Beach Man Dead After Crash in Surfside

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 43-year old Myrtle Beach man has died after an auto accident Monday night in Surfside. Dennis Sawyer was killed after the moped he was driving was involved in an accident with a car around 8 pm on US 17 Business and 13th Avenue North. Sawyer died from multiple injuries sustained in the accident. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the car was not injured and no charges have been filed.

The SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team is still investigating the accident.

2 Victims Identified in Auto Accident on Highway 501 Sunday

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fatal car accident happened on Highway 501 southbound at Hallie Martin Road at 12:53 pm Sunday afternoon. The collision involved a 2011 Plymouth which was traveling on Hallie Martin Road and entered Highway 501. It was struck by a 1978 Jeep traveling south on Highway 501. The driver of the Plymouth was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, however both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two passengers in the Jeep were transported to the hospital and are still in serious condition. Highway 501 northbound was closed and southbound traffic was diverted while officials cleared the scene. The two victims were identified as Jason Christopher West and Gabriel S. Johnson.

The highway patrol is continuing to investigate the accident.

Man Charged After High Speed Chase and Crash in Coward

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A high speed chase through Coward ended in a crash Friday afternoon. Rodney McCray is charged with reckless driving and failure to stop for blue lights after he was pursued through Coward at speeds in excess of 120 mph on US 52. It was reported that he was weaving in and out of traffic through Kingstree. The chase ended at CW Robinson Road and US 52 when he crashed his car.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol worked the accident scene and will continue to investigate the incident.

Pedestrian Killed Monday in West Columbia

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Lexington County Coronor, 52-year-old Micheal Ray Aycock was killed after being hit while trying to cross the 700 block of Main Street. He was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Main Street. The accident happened around 6:30 am and Aycock was transported to the hospital where he later died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Police officials are still investigating this fatal collision.

NHTSA Expands Probe of 2007-2008 Saturn Auras

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Federal safety regulators have widened and upgraded the investigation in the Saturn Aura vehicles after reports of a transmission shift cable that could fail. This failure could result in the parking gear to not fully engage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the investigation has been upgraded and that the scope of the vehicles may be affected.

The investigation was widened from only 2007 model year cars to include 2008 models which raised the total number of affected cars to 88,729. According to GM, the makers of the cars, the problem affects mosly cars with 4-speed transmissions. The complaints received by the NHTSA allege the transmission shift cable failed causing the vehicle to roll, move, or accelerate while the shifter was in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.

The NHTSA says it has received 23 complaints and GM has received another 111, however, some of those were duplicate complaints. There was several reports of crashes and one injury. In the injury accident, the driver reportedly placed the shifter in park, exited the vehicle, and then was struck when the car unexpectedly rolled backwards.

For more information on the investigation please visit the NHTSA website.

North Charleston Man Still Missing After Boat Accident

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Emergency workers have been searching for a missing boater since early Sunday morning in North Charleston. According to reports, the police responded to Rivers Edge Marina around 3:30 am in reference to a man falling overboard. 26-year-old Preston Scott Guyse fell off the boat and into the water. A witness saw the boat tilt and the man fall overboard. The boat continued to go in circles around the area where he fell in and Guyse may have been hit by the boat.

As of Monday, the victim had not yet been found. The police continue to investigate the accident to determine what made him fall overboard.

Cadillac Recalls 700 CTS Models for Possible Brake Failure

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The automaker G.M. through its division Cadillac has recalled around 700 of its 2012 CTS model cars due to a possible brake failure. According to the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that an improperly torqued retaining nut could come loose, disconnecting the brake pedal from the brake-boost pushroad. This disconnection could result in a sudden loss of ability to brake and could cause serious accidents without warning.

The spokesman for G.M. said the problem was discovered at the assembly plant. G.M. ordered dealers to stop selling the cars the day after the issue was discovered.

DUI Related Crash Kills One Person

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol stated that one person was dead after a crash in Berkeley County last Thursday night. Candy Zoll died after being transported to the emergency room from injuries sustained in the crash.

The police say that the accident happened around 8:40 pm when Shana Robinson crossed the center line and struck a sedan head-on. Robinson was also transported to the hospital and was later charged with felony DUI. The passenger in Robinson's car was taken to the emergency room as well. Neither was wearing a seatbelt in the accident.

NC Man Dies in Marlboro County Auto Accident

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 51-year-old man died early Saturday morning after being ejected from his vehicle in a crash on SC 9 near Bennettsville. Linnard Ray Short was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident around 3:30 am in Marlboro County. He was driving a 1997 Pontiac when it went off the left side of the road and he was ejected when the car overturned. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The accident remains under investigation by the police.

Collision Causes Injuries on Highway 501 Thursday Afternoon

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

An auto accident on Highway 501 Thursday afternoon caused injuries and shut down part of the highway. The accident happened around 4:30 pm near George Bishop Parkway, River Oaks Drive, and Burcale Road. The southbound lanes were closed while crews worked to clear the accident.

The police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.

Man Dies After Collision with Tree

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating a collision in Marlboro County involving a car hitting a tree. The accident killed the driver of the car. According to reports, the accident happened around 5:30 AM on County Line Road when a Ford 4-door car traveling southbound ran off the road and hit a tree. The driver and only occupant of the car, Tommy Jernigan, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Jernigan died of multiple internal injuries and was pronounced dead the scene. The police will continue to investigate the accident.

1 Person is Dead After Florence County Accident

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that one person was killed in a accident involving an 18-wheeler on I-95 Monday morning. The accident happened around 11:45 am near mile marker 157. Two vehicles and a tractor-trailer were traveling in the same direction when they collided with each other. It is unclear what caused the collision.

At least one person was killed in the accident and the SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team is continuing to investigate.

Accident Kills Motorcyclist, Driver Faces DUI Charges

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a 70-year-old Eutawville man. The accident happened on Highway 6 just inside of Orangeburg County Saturday night. The driver of the car, Laymon Davis has been charged with felony driving under the influence. The driver of the motorcycle, Joseph Michael Lijewski, died at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet.

According to reports, Lijewski was traveling east around 6:50 pm when the 1997 Lincoln TownCar driven by Davis traveling west collided with him. The Highway Patrol's MAIT team continues to investigate the accident. Davis was being held in the Orangeburg County Jail.

Second Child Dies after DUI Accident

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 10-year-old girl and her 7-year-old brother have both died after an accident on South Lake Drive. The accident happened Friday night when 37-year-old Robert Craft was driving drunk and hit the car they were in as it was turning into a private driveway. They victims and their grandparents were driving home after church when the accident happened.

A judge has denied bond for Craft, charging him with 2 counts of felony DUI involving death and having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The Lexington County Coroner's Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the accident.

Summerville Man Charged After Hitting Deputy's Patrol Car

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston man has been charged after he wrecked his car by hitting a deputies patrol car on I-26 Monday night. The SC Highway Patrol has charged Robert Blankonship with driving too fast for conditions after he hit a patrol car near Aviation Avenue on I-26 around 6 pm. The deputy had slowed down for traffic and was hit from behind which caused two other cars to be hit as well. The deputy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The police continue to investigate the accident.

Deputy Sent to Hospital After Crash

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Berkeley County Sheriff's deputy was taken to the hospital last Monday night after an accident on Jehovahs Lane near Shortcut road. The police officer was trying to stop a 4-wheeler on a gravel road when he lost control of his cruiser and hit a tree. Medics airlifted the officer to MUSC.

The Highway Patrol investigated the accident.

Driver Drowns After Crashing Truck into the Water

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person is dead after an accident Tuesday afternoon October 26, 2011. According to the SC Highway patrol, the accident happened at 2187 West Dogwood Road near SC 410 around 3:30 pm. A GMC pickup truck overturned before landing in the swampy area. The truck was submerged upside down in the water and the driver died in the accident. A passenger in the truck was taken to the hospital for treatment. The victim was identified as 46-year-old Charles Smith from Loris. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Highway 501 Southbound Closed After Crash Thursday Morning

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol had to close the southbound lanes of Highway 501 Thursday morning after a motorcycle accident at the Waccamaw Pottery Bridge. No other vehicles were involved in the accident and investigators are still working on determining the exact cause of the accident.

Woman Killed In Accident on I-26

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old Berkeley County woman has died after an accident on I-26 Thursday afternoon. According to reports, Tenille Russell died of head trauma after the Honda Civic westbound on I-26 when she drove off the left side of the road and then into the median. The car then struck a tree and the driver was ejected from the car. She was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The authorities continue to investigate the accident.

Motorcycle Driver Dies After Collision With Pickup Truck

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Highway patrol troopers report that Russell Mangrum, 46, was driving his motorcycle around 9:30 pm in Lancaster County when he collided with a pickup truck. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but died from injuries sustained in the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured in the accident.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Receives Grant For DUI and Safety Belt Education

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has been awarded four grants to further enhance the DUI education as well as seatbelt enforcement and education efforts. The SC Department of Public Safety, Office of Highway Safety awarded the grants with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A portion of the money will be used for three troopers on the DUI team in Richland and Lexington counties. Another portion of the money will be used for the Florence/Horry DUI team to continue to pay salaries for three troopers on the DUI team. Horry County ranks 6th in the state for DUI deaths. A third portion of the money will go to purchase 2 rollover simulators to be used statewide in order to educate the public about safety belts. And the last portion of the money will be used to purchase 7 pairs of DUI fatal vision goggles, seven golf carts, and equipment for those golf carts. This type of equipment is used to teach teenagers about the dangers of impaired driving.

The SCHP has been quoted as stating that these grants will enhance the equipment, manpower, and resources that will allow them to better address these issues on all fronts.

Harley Davidson Recalls 250,000 Motorcycles to Correct Brake Issue

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The motorcycle maker Harley Davidson has issued a recall for certian touring motorcycles and trikes from its Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) from model years 2009-2012. The reason for the recall is because the rear brake light switch can become damaged by heat from the bike's exhaust systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states the recall includes 250,757 models built from June 6, 2008 through September 16, 2011. According to the report the company knows of one alleged crash that can be attributed to the defect.

The company says that excessive heat may cause the switch to fail to activate the brake light when applying the brakes. This problem could aslo result in brake fluid leaking that can stop the rear brake from working properly. Harley Davidson states that its dealers will replace the rear brake light switch free of charge. The recall is expected to being around October 31, 2011. For a full list of affected motorcycles please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Website.

Early Morning Crash Kills 1 Conway Man

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Conway man was killed early Friday morning in an auto accident. Dennis C. Hucks, 45, died after a crash on Still Pond Road around 5:45 am. Hucks was driving a 1991 Ford pickup going north on Still Pond Road when he ran off the roadway and struck a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

He died at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center from injuries sustained in the crash.

Woman Hits 2 Firefighters, Charged with DUI

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two firefighters were injured in Goose Creek early Wednesday morning after being hit by a car while working the scene of another accident. The driver, Jessica Lanier, drove her 2011 Mazda through the scene of a single car accident as the medic unit was checking on the patients. The two firefighters were wearing reflective gear and were walking towards an emergency vehicle when Lanier struck them. One firefighter suffered a fractured left ankle and the other had a fractured left leg. They were both taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

Lanier was charged with DUI in the accident.

Two Injured After Crash with Florence Police Cruiser

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two people suffered minor injuries after a two-car accident involving a Florence police cruiser Tuesday night. The accident happened at 9:45 pm at South Irby Street and West Palmetto Street. The cruiser was traveling east on West Palmetto Street and the other car was going south on South Irby Street when the accident happened. The officer was not injured, but the two people in the other vehicle were treated at an area hospital for injuries.

The accident is still under investigation by the police.

6 Car Accident Causes Traffic Delay Monday

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A multi-car accident Monday afternoon in Horry County shut down the road and caused traffic headaches for many. The accident happened on Highway 544 and Singleton Ridge Road. Two people were transported to the hospital but the injuries were not life-threatening.

The accident remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Two Car Collision Kills One

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person died after a car accident Monday evening in Orangeburg County. The accident occured on US 178 about 1/2 mile east of Bowman. The highway patrol says that the passenger in a car driven by 29-year-old Wayne Mitchell died in the accident. A second passenger was not injured in the 6:30 pm accident. All passengers were wearing seat belts.

Deputies state that Mitchell was arrested after the accident and charged with DUI and driving under suspension. He collided with Henry Johnson, 28, who was driving a Dodge westbound on the road. Mitchell's car overturned several times; Johnson was taken to the hospital in Orangeburg. Mitchell was detained at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.

Vehicle Fire and Crash Kills One on Pee Dee Road Monday

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway patrol is continuing to investigate a collision and vehicle fire Monday afternoon. The accident happened around 1:20 pm on Pee Dee Road near Lake Swamp Road. According to the reports, a 66-year-old female driver went off the roadway and crashed. Her body was later found burned in the vehicle. The police did state that the woman died from a medical condition prior to the car crash.

Florence Man Hit by Car Died Sunday

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Florence man was struck by an SUV while crossing North Cashua Drive late Saturday night died Sunday from injuries sustained in the accident. The victim was identified as Larry Dean Morris, 54. He was wearing dark clothing while crossing the street and was hit by a Chevy SUV at 8:25pm.

The accident remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Motorcycle Officer Hurt After Accident

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A North Charleston police officer laid down his motorcycle in order to avoid a collision early Friday morning but was injured after he hit a pickup truck. The officer, Phillip Kickland, 38, was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Kirkland had been heading west on Centre Pointe Drive on his motorcycle around 7 am when Matthew Palmer, 33, tried to make a left turn in front of Kirkland. Kirkland laid the bike down but hit the truck himself. Troopers have charged Palmer with failing to yield right of way.

3 Injured in Charleston County Car Accident

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to reports, a police officer and two other people were injured in a car accident after the police officer crashed his car in downtown Charleston Tuesday evening. The South Carolina Highway Patrol states that the Charleston City police officer was at a stop sign on Congress Street at the corner of King street, pulled out and failed to yield the right of way. He collided with a Nissan and a telephone pole.

The driver of the Nissan, the passenger in the car, and the police officer were all taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The highway patrol states that the officer contributed to the collision and that the accident is still under investigation.

Vehicle Catches Fire Causes Traffic Headache on Highway 17 Bypass

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident on Highway 17 Bypass Tuesday afternoon caused traffic headaches for quite a while. A car caught fire while sitting at a red light near Pine Island Road and 17 Bypass around 3:45pm. Traffic heading southbound was stalled and moving slowly for hours. No one was injured in the accident.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department investigated and assisted with the accident.

One Person Dies After Accident in Front of Conway Medical Center

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon killed one person and sent three others to the hospital. The accident happened in front of Conway Medical Center at 10:30 am. A blue BMW and a gold SUV were involved. The victim was identified as Rosalba Villegas. Three other people were taken to Conway Medical Center to be treated for injuries that occured in the accident.

The police continue to investigate to determine the cause of the accident.

6th Grader in Columbia Hit by Car and Dies

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 11-year-old boy was struck and killed Tuesday afternoon in Columbia while he was crossing the street after being let out of school. According to troopers, Towanda Sumter, 35, was driving north on Decker Blvd. when she hit Devonte Owens as he crossed the street. Owens was taken to Palmetto Health Richland where he died Wednesday morning from injuries sustained in the accident.

Officals say there was no crossing guard where Owens was because it was just outside of the school zone. The driver of the car was not injured and no charges have been filed yet in the accident. It is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

U.S. 378 Closed After Multi-Car Accident Monday Morning

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident early Monday morning closed Highway 378 in Conway. The SC Highway Patrol says the multi-car accident happened around 6:30am and caused multiple injuries. According to the reports, one car was passing another along Highway 378 when another vehicle hit the passing car. The driver got out to check on the other driver and a third vehicle hit the original accident.

The highway patrol continues to investigate the accident. It was determined that the tractor-trailer that was thought to be involved was parked along the road and was not involved in the accident.

Accident At Darlington Raceway Musuem Kills One

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman was killed Thursday afternoon when the vehicle she was riding in struck the Darlington Raceway Museum. The victim of the accident was Evelyn Siple, 81. The accident happened around 3:30 pm on Highway 151 near the Darlington Raceway. The vehicle struck the musuem at the raceway killing Siple. The driver was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident to determine the exact cause.

Early Morning Accident Kills One Person

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident early Saturday morning claimed the life of one Horry County resident. The accident happened around 5:30 am on Star Bluff road when the driver of the vehicle lost control and struck a tree. The driver was fatally wounded in the accident. He was identified as Ronald Jerome Livingston, 61.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident and no one else was injured.

VW Recalls 168,000 Diesel Cars to Fix Fire Hazard Issue

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

German automakers Volkswagen are recalling 168,275 cars equipped with diesel engines because of a defect in the fuel injection system that could cause fuel leaks and lead to a fire hazard. The recall affects 2009-2012 Jettas as well as 2010-2012 Golf small cars and Audi A3 cars from 2010-2012. All of the cars are equipped with a 2-liter TDI diesel engine.

According to reports, cracks can develop in the fuel injection system and cause the fuel to leak which could possibly cause an engine fire. The company does not know of any fires, crashes, or injuries caused by the defect. Volkswagen will replace the fuel injector line in some models and will install dampers to cut the vibrations on all of them. The repairs will be made free of charge and will start in November according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall includes 161,144 Golf and Jetta models and another 7,131 Audi A3's. About 20% of the cars made during the recall model years will need to have the fuel lines replaced and all will get vibration dampers. More than 20% of the Volkswagens sold in the U.S. have diesel engines.

Texting While Driving More Dangerous Than We Know

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new study has shown that texting or emailing while driving is more dangerous than previously thought. According to Christine Yager, leader of the study from Texas A&M University's Texas Transportation Institute, texting while driving doubles a driver's reaction time. This makes drivers less able to respond to sudden roadway dangers.

In the study, 42 drivers betweent he ages of 16 and 54 drove an 11 mile test track course while sending and receiving texts and/or emails. The same test subjects then re-did the test course while completely focused on driving. On the course, drivers were instructed to stop when they saw a flashing yellow light. The reaction time was recorded for each driver. The study showed that the typical time it took a driver to stop that was not texting was 1 to 2 seconds. When the driver was distracted, the reaction time was on average 3 to 4 seconds. It was also shown that the texting driver was 11 times more likely to miss the flashing light altogether. Yager did state that the reaction time was the same regardless of whether the driver was sending a text or reading one. Yager says this study is different from previous studies on the same subject matter because participants were driving an actual car, not a simulator. It was also shown that the distracted drivers were more likely to swerve in the lanes, which can lead to accidents on actual highways.

The U.S. Transportation Department statistics show that distracted driving contributes to as much as 20% of all fatal crashes and that cell phones are the primary source of driver distractions. They also report that 1 in 5 motorists admit to texting while driving.

While many states are moving towards tougher legislation regarding texting while driving, it is important for each and every driver on the roadways to be aware of the dangers it poses. Distracted driving is an easy problem to solve, and in doing so, our roadways would be much safer.

Man Killed In North Charleston Truck Accident

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man was killed September 23rd in a North Charleston accident involving a tractor-trailer. According to police reports, the driver of the 18-wheeler was making a turn onto Rivers Street near Beaufort Street and did not see the oncoming car. The driver of the car, Bernard Frost, was unable to stop the car in time and slammed into the tractor-trailer. The car became pinned underneath the 18-wheeler.

Frost was freed from the car by emergency workers and was taken to MUSC where he later died from his injuries.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC truck accident attorney, Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling truck accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Man Involved in Crash with S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man is in custody after colliding with a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper after a high speed chase Monday night on Highway 501. The chase began around 11:45 pm after the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Addy's Harbor Dodge. The chase reached speeds over 100mph and ended with the trooper and SUV crashing into each other near University Forest Drive. The SUV left the scene and the trooper's car caught fire.

The driver of the SUV was identified as Allen Jackson Goodman. He was captured after hitting another car in Conway and continuing into Aynor. He was apprehended on Highway 501 near Cook Road. Troopers had to use stop sticks in order to stop the SUV.

The trooper did not sustain any serious injuries in the accident. Goodman has been charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license, and failure to stop for a blue light.

Police continue to investigate the accident.

Loris Man Dies of Natural Causes Before Car Accident

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Loris man who was involved in a car accident on Highway 66 Monday afternoon died of natural causes before the accident. The driver, 72 was the only person in the car and was not wearing a seatbelt. The truck, a 1991 GMC pickup truck, was traveling south, ran off the road and hit a pole.

The police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

NC Man Charged with DUI After Motorcycle Accident in Surfside Beach

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A North Carolina man has been charged in a motorcycle accident in Surfside Beach. On August 11, a motorcycle driven by Jonathan Phillips, 35, who was carrying a female passenger, crashed into a van that was stopped on Melody Lane. The crash caused life-threatening injuries for both Phillips and the female passenger.

Officers were able to determine Phillips was under the influence at the time of the accident and arrested him for felony DUI and possession of marijuana. Phillips long hospital stay delayed his arrest until now.

Car Bursts Into Flames, No One Injured

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car burst into flames on I-26 at Eagle Drive Friday morning in North Charleston. The Highway patrol says the fire occured near mile marker 210. No one was injured, but traffic was block in one lane on eastbound I-26 for a short while. The cause of the accident and fire remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Teenager Killed in Car Accident in Sumter

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 15 year old boy is dead in Sumter after a car accident Thursday morning. The SC Highway Patrol says that the accident occured at the intersection of Meadows Road and Highway 15 around 7:40 AM. According to reports, a car pulled onto Highway 15 off of Meadows Road into the path of an oncoming SUV. The SUV struck the car on the left side, killing the teenager, who was a passenger in the car. The driver was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland. The driver of the SUV was not injured.

The police continue to investigate the accident.

Motorcyclist Charged with DUI After Crash in Horry County

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist has been charged with DUI after a motorcycle accident in Horry County late Thursday. Ernest Groves, 40, was charged in connection to the accident that happened on U.S. 17 Business near Offshore Drive, which is 2 miles south of Surfside Beach.

Groves was driving a 2010 Harley Davidson without a helmet when he was involved in a crash with a 2005 Chevy SUV driven by a 21-year-old woman. The motorcycle was driving wrecklessly and Groves lost control of the bike and veered left into the median before falling off the bike. The motorcycle skidded back into the roadway and hit the SUV. Groves was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

The accident was investigated by the authorities.

Motorcyclists' Leg Amputated In Crash

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The North Myrtle Beach police are investigating a motorcycle accident that happend Thursday afternoon and caused one woman to lose her leg. The accident occurred at 1600 Highway 17 North around 3:30 pm when a vehicle travling northbound hit the motorcycle. The impact of the collision sent the motorcycle into another vehicle traveling southbound. The motorcycle had a male driver and female passenger on board. The female passengers leg was amputated from the knee down in the collision.

The accident remains under investigation by the police.

Hit and Run Suspect Caught in Lexington County

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has apprehended a hit-and-run suspect in Lexington County. Reports state that the accident happened on Pond Branch Road and left one man dead. 19-year-old Michael Boyd was driving a Ford Crown Victoria when he hit a 26-year-old pedestrian and then fled the scene. He was found shortly after and was charged with hi-and-run involving death.

Highway Patrol Investigating Accident Where Toddler was Hit by a Car

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating an accident in the Burgess Community that happened Sunday afternoon when a vehicle struck a toddler. The accident happened near St. James United Methodist Church around 1:23 pm. A three year old girl was stuck when a 14-year-old was backing up a vehicle.

The toddler was taken to Waccamaw Community Hospital to be treated for her injuries. The SC Highway patrol is still investigating the accident.

2 Car Accident in West Florence Saturday Afternoon

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 2-car accident happened in West Florence Saturday afternoon that caused one person to be trapped. The accident happened on Willow Trace Drive when two vehicles collided causing an SUV to turn on its side. One passenger was trapped in the SUV. The injured person was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

The police continue to investigate the accident to determine the exact cause.

Major Multi-Car Accident on Highway 501

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The northbound lanes of Highway 501 at Carolina Forest Boulevard were closed for hours Wednesday afternoon after a car accident. The accident happened at 4:30 pm with one car ending up literally on top of the other car. Another car was turned on its side. Two people were trapped inside of one of the cars and had to be cut out. A medical helicopter was also called to the scene. One person was transported to New Hanover Medical Center and another was taken to Conway Medical Center.

Police are still investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Officials Investigating 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty's Because of Unexpected Airbag Deployment

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The federal government has begun to look into 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV's after seven complaints that the front air bags deployed without warning and for no reason. In some cases, owners said that the warning light was on or had been going on and off before the bag went off.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also reported there have been 15 injuries from these unexpected deployments.
Investigations will continue to see if the issue warrants a recall. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the latest in auto recalls.

Lawmakers Want the CDC to Compile a Student Concussion Protocol

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Recent Sports-related concussions among children have lawmakers calling for nationwide protocols governing these types of injuries. Lawmakers announced Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) agreed to study and develop national guidelines for managing sports-related concussions for student athletes.

The lawmakers and the CDC have stressed that every concussion is brain damage and that students that suffer these types of injuries and return to the sport too soon can result with serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The CDC says that the guideline initiative will work to improve diagnosis and management of brain injuries in younger children and teens who are injured on or off the field.

Concussions are dangerous because they can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination and these symptoms can become increasingly worse if not treated properly. For years now, the CDC has been working on this issue and to develop materials for coaches on steps to take if they think an athlete has suffered a concussion. The CDC has now put together an expert panel to discuss pediatric guidelines for doctors to best diagnose and treat concussions not only in sports but also in car accidents, falls, and other common causes.

This is a step in the right direction towards establishing guidelines to help protect kids in sports. Concussions are serious injuries and there is a need for common protocols for diagnosing and treating these types of injuries.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC traumatic brain injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at the The Derrick Law Firm has been handling traumatic brain injury cases in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Crash on Highway 501 Causes Major Traffic Delays

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traffic was tied up for quite a while Wednesday afternoon in the northbound lanes of Highway 501 after an accident. According to the police, the accident happened in front of Dunkin Donuts around 1:30 pm when a car slammed into a tree. The northbound lanes of highway 501 were closed as well as 1 of the southbound lanes while emergency crews cleared the scene.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

3 Car Accident in Charleston Leaves No Injuries

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Emergency crews were called to the scene of a 3 car accident at the corner of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Orleans Road Monday night in Charleston County. No one was injured in the accident although one person did complain of chest pains. The accident remains under investigation by police.

NHTSA Funds Development of Alcohol Measuring Start Button in Cars

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded Takata-TruTouch with $2.25 million to continue to develop an in-vehicle alcohol detection device. The two companies have created a vehicle start button with an integrated infrared censor that can measure blood-alcohol content. If the reading exceeds legal limits, the system will disable to the starter rendering the car inoperable for the impaired driver.

The company says that as the technology advances, it could help eliminate drunk drivers on the roadways. The company says "the award from the NHTSA will help expedite the work and adapt the technology for use in automotive applications." The device produces accurate results in seconds and has a biometric system to prevent tampering. According to reports, the test is 96% accurate which is more than the breath test administered by the police. This device has the potential to help save many lives.

1 Killed and 2 Injured After Car Accident in Colleton County

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Tuesday morning head-on collision killed one man and sent two others to the hospital. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the accident happened on Highway 64 when a driver of a 2001 Ford pickup truck heading east, crossed the center line and hit a 2000 Mazda sedan. The driver of the pickup, Charles Simmons, was killed in the accident. Two other passengers in the truck as well as the driver of the sedan were taken to area hospitals to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

National Transportation Safety Board Requests National Cell Phone Ban for All Commercial Drivers

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for a ban on the use of cell phones by truckers, except for emergency situations in order to help reduce trucking accidents. The recommendation for a nationwide ban was one of 15 new safety proposals recently issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA), and various other state agencies across the US.

Studies indicate that changes in a driver's ability to maintain control of a vehicle result when cognitive abilities are diverted to cell phone use. Based on this investigation, the NTSB has called ont he FMCSA as well as each state to prohibit the use of both handheld and hands-free cell phones while operating commerical trucks.

Distracted driving causes many accidents across the US every day. Steps need to be taken for commerical drivers as well as regular vehicle drivers to ensure better road safety.

Victim in Pawleys Island Car Accident Identified

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Sunday afternoon accident killed one man and injured another. According to the SC Highway Patrol, Donald Lacy, 74, was turing out of a shopping center onto Highway 17 around 2 pm when his car was struck by another vehile traveling northbound. The force of the accident caused Lacy's car to overturn. Lacy was taken to MUSC where he later died from his injuries. The passenger in his car was transported to Georgetown Hospital.

The driver of the other vehicle, a Mt. Pleasant man, and his passenger were both wearing their seatbelts and did not require medical attention.

The accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

Driver Charged After Accident Involving Overturned Truck

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has charged a 17-year-old with driving too fast for conditions Monday after a single car accident in Monks Corner. A 1995 Dodge pick-up truck traveling east on Whitesville Road ran off the right side of the road and overturned. The driver, William Lee Keller, and a 14-year-old passenger were injured in the wreck and transported to Trident Hospital.

Keller was charged with driving too fast for conditions. The SC Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Suspect in Fatal Hit-and-Run Stabbed After Returning to Scene of Accident

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The man accused of hitting and killing a soldier from Texas in Aiken County with his pickup truck Friday night was taken to hospital after being stabbed. The victim, SFC Maurice J. Collier, of Fort Hood, Texas, was attending a motorcycle rally on Edgefield Highway when he was hit around 8:10 pm by a Ford F-350 driven by Glenn Otts.

According to reports, Collier was directing traffic near the parking lot entrance when he was hit. He was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Otts left the scene but returned shortly after and was confronted by a group of bikers. He was stabbed by an unknown assailant during an altercation.

The Highway Patrol is investigating Collier's death and Aiken County deputies are investigating the stabbing.

Home Fires from Dehumidifier Prompt Recall Re-announcement

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

LG Electronics, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reannounced a recall of Goldstar and Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. The recall includes about 98,000 dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and burn hazard. The faulty products are also believed to be respobsible for over $1 million in property damage.

According to the reports the power connector for the dehumidifiers compressor can short circuit, which can pose a fire and burn hazard to consumers and/or their property. The products were first recalled in December of 2009 following 11 incidents, with 4 significant fires. Since that time, the company has received 16 more reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the products, including 9 significant fires.

Because of the severity of the risks, the CPSC and LG have become concerned with the lack of consumer response and want to urge people to check their dehumidifiers to see if they are included in the recall. There is a free repair for the products to correct the problem. Consumers are urged to check the model and serial number and cross reference the list posted on the CPSC's website. The products were sold at The Home Depot, WalMart, Ace Hardware, and other retailers from January 2007 - June 2008.

Investigation Into Defect of Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey OEM Jacks

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, an investigation has been opened into 205,661 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans after 1 death and 3 injuries occured in relation to the service jack.

The NHTSA says the complaints allege that the jack failed, and allowed the vehicle to fall on top of the person working under the car. In the failures reported, the jacks apparently failed at the slotted hinge joints which seperate under the load of the vehicle.

The NHTSA does not recommend for the OEM jacks in the minivans to be used for anything other than changing a tire.

Single Car Accident on Highway 22 Sends 3 to the Hospital

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car crash Sunday evening sent one woman and and two children to the hospital and closed the eastbound lanes of S.C. 22 near S.C. 319. According to the highway patrol, the car overturned around 8:30 pm, causing the driver and one child to be transported via ambulance to the hospital. The second child was airlifted to a Charleston area hospital.

The accident caused the eastbound lanes to be closed for a while. The police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Motorcyclist Identified After Fatal Accident

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 37-year-old man has died after a motorcycle accident Thursday night on U.S. 1 in Lexington County. David O. Perry was killed around 8:40 pm in the 4400 block of Augusta Road after his 2007 Kawasaki collided with a 2007 Chevy SUV. The SUV was attempting to turn left when they collided. Perry was taken to the emergency room at Palmetto Health Richland where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a helmet in the accident.

The Highway Patrol states that an investigation into the accident is ongoing.

I-26 Tractor-Trailer Accident Thursday Morning

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tractor-trailer accident in Orangeburg County Thursday morning tied up traffic for hours. The tractor-trailer overturned at mile marker 155 on I-26 right before 7:30 am. The cause of the accident is still unknown.

Police continue to investigate the accident to determine what caused the truck to overturn.

Police chase Ends with Motorcyclist Dead

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early Wednesday morning police chase led to the death of a motorcycle driver. An officer witnessed a motorcycle driving extremely fast on SC Highway 9 around 12:30 am. The officer attempted to stop the motorcycle to issue a speeding ticket. However, the motorcyclist refused to stop and lost control of the bike near the intersection of Highway 9 and Olive Road in the Green Sea community.

After leading the officer on a chase, the motorcylist ran into a ditch and was ejected from the bike. The force of that caused his helmet to come off. He was transported to the hospital where he later died from the injuries sustained in the crash. The victim was identified as Hartford Dwayne Holmes.

The SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team is still investigating the accident.

Driver of Stolen Car Crashes, Causes 7 Car Pile-Up

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Charleston County police are investigating an accident that happened Wednesday morning on I-26 eastbound near exit 212 that involved 7 vehicles. The woman that caused the accident, Pamela Habersham, was driving a stolen car when, after driving erratically, cut off another car and slammed on her brakes causing the accident. Habersham left the scene of the accident and was later found and arrested. She has been charged with leaving the scene of a collision with personal injury, driving under suspension second-offense and reckless driving.

4 other drivers involved in the accident were taken by ambulance to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. Habersham remains in jail.

Fatal Crash in Conway Kills One Woman

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old Conway woman was killed Tuesday morning when a pick-up truck crossed the center line and struck her vehicle head on. Janice Rosella Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident around 7:45 am at 3601 Highway 65.

The driver of the truck was heading south on Highway 65 when he crossed the center line and crashed into a Dodge Durango driven by Montgomery. The driver of the truck was taken to Conway Medical Center to be treated for injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the police.

Bishopville Mother Killed in Car Accident

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Bishopville mother was killed in an auto accident Tuesday morning shortly after dropping her kids off at school. Authorities say that a truck hit the woman after she ran a stop sign at Highway 441 and Green Lane.

The driver of the truck, Leroy Mack, was driving on Highway 441 when the victim, Harmeitra Jenkins was driving on Green Lane when she disregarded the stop sign and was hit by the truck. The accident remains under investigation.

Man Kills 1 After Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston man is facing charges after the S.C. Highway Patrol says that he fell asleep at the wheel while driving on I-95 in Jasper County. 20-year-old Ludvin Andrez-Gonzalez fell asleep while driving a Ford Expedition with 8 other peole in the car. He ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected and caused the SUV to overturn. One passenger, Ernesto Santiz-Lopez died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the accident.

Gonzalez fled the scene of the accident on foot and deputies were able to locate him in the woods a few miles from the accident four hours after the crash. He now faces multiple charges including leaving the scene of an accident involving death, driving too fast for conditions, and driving without a S.C. driver's license.

Police continue to investigate the accident.

York Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident on S.C. 557

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 49-year-old York man died after a motorcycle accident early Saturday morning on Highway 557 in York County. He was riding a 2007 Harley Davidson westbound on Hwy 557 around 2:15 am when he ran off the side of the road, hit a highway sign and then overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

The accident is still under investigation by authorities.

Driver Hits Two People on Moped, Then Flees

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman is in custody after a hit and run accident Wednesday evening. According to police reports, Barbara Chavis Wright purposely hit a moped carrying two people in front of the Myrtle Beach Train Depot near 9th Avenue N. and Oak Street. The woman fled the scene of the accident after dragging the victims several feet. She then drove her car onto the beach near 9th Avenue S.

A witness followed Wright and said she drove towards the ocean, turned the car around, exited the car, and proceeded to walk north on foot. She was arrested near 7th Avenue South. The Wright was described as a 63-year-old caucasian.

The woman on the moped, Keesha Godley, was in critical condition at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center but died Thursday morning, and the male victim's condition is still unknown.

Police will continue to investigate the accident.

Man Killed in Florence County Accident

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man died in a two vehicle car accident in Florence County Tuesday afternoon. The accident happened around 1:50 pm on Old River Road when the victim was hit by another car that crossed the center line. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The other driver was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Police are still investigating the accident, and no charges have been filed yet.

Fatal Car Crash on Highway 9

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says a fatal car accident happend on Highway 9 north of Loris around 6:30pm Tuesday evening. 60-year-old Agro Crawford died in the accident. He was driving a Toyota Corolla when he struck a 2008 Mercury that was making a left turn into a private driveway. The driver of the Mercury was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

Both drivers were wearing their seat belts and police are still investigating the accident to determine whether or not charges will be filed.

Two Men Dead After Car Accident in Darlington County

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two men died after a car accident Monday night in Darlington County. Orlando Edwards, 18, and a passenger in the car, Dominique Coleman, 21, died when their vehicle veered off Lawson Grove Road and hit a tree around 7pm. Both people in the car had their seatbelts on at the time of the collision. Another passenger in the car was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

The SC Highway Patrol and the coroner's office are still investigating the accident.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Investigating Florence County Fatal Accident

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The SC Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate a collision that killed one person Tuesday afternoon in Florence County. The accident happened on Old River Road just before 2 pm near Doub Lane. More details are unknown at this time.

23-Year-Old Dies After Single Car Accident in Charleston

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Berkeley County Coroner's office says that Javelle Moore, 23, of Charleston died Saturday at the hospital following a car accident Friday morning in Goose Creek. Moore was the passenger in a vehicle that crashed at the intersection of Howe Hall Road and Charles Gibson Avenue.

Investigators have determined the Moore's death was accidental.

Midlands Man Dies After Car Hits Telephone Pole

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Gaston man is dead after an accident Saturday afternoon in Lexington County. According to reports, Larry Lenton McCroan, 53, was driving a 2002 GMC Sonoma north on Fish Hatchery Road in Pelion when he lost control of this vehicle and went off the road. His car struck a telephone pole, and even though he was wearing a seatbelt, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner's Office are continuing the investigate the accident.

Victim of Motorcycle Accident Dies at Hospital

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The victim of a late night motorcycle accident on Saturday in North Charleston has died at MUSC. 34-year-old Andrew Bowden, III died from head trauma sustained in the accident. Reports from the highway patrol state that Bowden was trying to get on the interstate from West Montague Avenue when he fell off his motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Police continue to investigate the accident.

Consumer Product Recall of Pourable Gel Fuel Due to Burn and Flash Fire Hazards

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with nine manufacturers and distributors, has announced a voluntary recall of all pourable gel fuels due to the serious risks of flash fire and burns when consumers add pourable gel to an already buring fire pot.

The recall invovles 2 million units of various pourable gel fuels sold since 2008 for between $5-$20. Reports state that the pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and nearby objects when it is poured into a fire pot that is still burning. The CPSC has knowledge of 65 incidents resulting in 2 deaths and 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns.

Consumers should not attempt to use or fix the pourable gel fuel bottles or replace the fuel with other flammable materials. Retailers are asked to immediately stop the sales of existing inventory and remove all the stock from shelves. For a complete list of the companies and distributors, as well as the name on the products, please visit www.cpsc.gov

SC Department of Public Safety Shows Rise in Road Fatalities

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has released the numbers for fatalities on state highways. In the report released Monday, officials say they have seen an increase of 10 fatalities in 2011 when compared to the same time period in 2010. Officials also saw 5 of the recent deaths occur within a 3 day span in August.

According to Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins, a number of the issues contributing to the increase include speeding, drunk driving, using cell phones while driving, drivers not wearing seatbelts, and pedestrians walking in the roadway. Collins says that 63 pedestrians have died on state highways in 2011 which is a marked increase from 2010. One of the biggest reasons is that drivers can't see the pedestrians at night until almost the last minute and its almost unavoidable.

Collins, and the SCDPS hope that residents and visitors will avoid dangerous behaviors during the last week of '100 Deadly Days of Summer".

High Patrol Searches for Driver Involved in Hit and Run

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The south Carolina Highway patrol is searching for the driver in a reported hit and run involving a moped. According to reports, the accident occurred around 9:30 pm along Dick Pond Road near Highway 544. A 19-year-old woman was struck from behind as she traveled west on the moped. The victim was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries.

Police are still investigating the accident and are still searching for the driver of the vehicle and more information.

The Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health to Build Traumatic Brain Injury Database

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health have announced a partnership to build a Traumatic Brain Injury focused database. It has been titled The Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) database, it is designed to accelerate comparative effectiveness research on brain injury treatment and diagnosis. It will serve as a central place for new data, link to current databases, and allow valid comparison of results across studies.

The FITBIR database will collect uniform, high-quality data on traumatic brain injuries, including brain imaging scans and neurological test results. The data will be obtained with informed consent and stripped of any patient identifying information in order to protect patient confidentiality. This has been the result of efforts by the government to make taxpayer funded research more broadly available and usable.

Some of the things the database is supposed to aid with are: a system to classify different types of traumatic brain injury; more targeted studies to determine which treatments are effective and for whom and under what conditions; enhanced diagnositc criteria for concussions and milder injuries; predictive markers to identify those at risk of developing conditions that have been linked to traumatic brain injury, such as Alzheimer's disease; clearer understanding of the effects of age, sex, and other medical conditions on injury and recovery; and improved evidence-based guidelines for patient care, fromt he time of injury through rehabilitation. The database will be structured similarly to the National Database on Autism Research.

This database builds upon a larger effort to create a common data element for the study of traumatic brain injuries. Currently, almost 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries each year from common causes like auto accidents and falls. However, treatments are still limited because each case is highly variable, with different causes, different locations in the brain, and different kinds of damage to brain tissue. This database will help uniformly bring the data together to try to set a treatment plan based on what has worked in previous patients with similar injuries. It will be a great tool for doctors to be able to use comparative anaylysis when determining a treatment plan for those who suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Monday Accident Kills One Person, Injures Another

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Highway Patrol troopers say that an accident on I-77 in Lexington County Monday morning killed one person and injured another. The accident happend at 5:49 a.m. at exit 1 of I-77 southbound near the intersection with I-26. The driver of a 2000 Chevy Blazer was not wearing a seatbelt and went off the left side of the road, lost control of the vehicle, and it overturned. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the car, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken to Palmetto Health Richland to be treated for injuries.

Two lanes of the interstate were closed for two hours Monday to clear the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

One Passenger Killed In Two Vehicle Collision

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 48-year-old man has died Sunday after the 1996 GMC pickup truck he was riding in collided with a 1996 Freightliner. Scott Lee Powell was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force trauma. He was sitting in the right passenger seat of the pickup when the accident occured. The pickup truck was traveling west on Secondary 221 in Calhoun County and the Freightliner was going south on SC 267 when the vehicles collided. The 37-year-old driver of the pickup and the the 30-year-old middle seat passenger were both taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

The Highway Patrol's MAIT team is still investigating the accident.

Car Hits and Kills Man Walking in Road

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man is dead after a car stuck and killed him while he was walking in the raod early Sunday morning in Florence County. Investigators say that Bennie Daniels, Jr., 47, was hit around 3:00 am Sunday while walking along Alligator Road. He was a black man wearing dark clothing and was in the direct path of traffic at the time of the accident. He died at the scene. The driver of the car, a 23-year-old male was not injured in the accident and was wearing a seatbelt. He did make an attempt to avoid Daniels but was unsuccessful. No charges have been filed against the driver.

An investigation continues into the accident.

Pesestrian Dies After Being Struck By Car

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers are investigating an accident that happened around 1:30 am Saturday after a car struck a pedestrian. John Snuffer, 46, was walking northbound on Highway 178 near Washboard Road in Pelion when he was hit by a Chevy Envoy driven by Wayne Liva. Snuffer was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple body truama.

The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Man Injured After Wreck With Teenager at Cane Bay High School

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 42-year-old man was taken to MUSC after a collision with a teenager in front of Cane Bay High School. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that the wreck happened at the corner of Highway 176 and Marshall Acres Blvd. around 8:30 AM Tuesday. 17-year-old Hannah Harmon was driving west on Highway 176 in a Dodge sedan when Bobby Joe Main tried to turn left out of Cane Bay High School in a Toyota SUV. Main was hit on the driver's side; he was charged with failure to yield the right of way. Harmon was not hurt in the accident.

Many parents have expressed concern that a traffic light should be installed in front of the high school due to frequency of accidents. The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Man Dead After Car Accident in Richland County

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man is dead after a car accident in Richland County that happened over the weekend. Haywood Gibbes died Monday due to injuries sustained in the accident. Gibbes crashed on Clement Road/Duke Avenue. The vehicle overturned in the accident and Gibbes was ejected from the car because he was not wearing a seatbelt.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

One Person Dead After Accident on I-20

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina State Troopers say that one woman has died after a car crash on I-20 westbound in Kershaw County Friday afternoon. Dorothy Stowers, 64, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a passenger in a 1998 Ford SUV. Reports state that Kimberyly Stowers, 40, was driving the Ford SUV when she veered left and struck a bridge. She then overcorrected, hit the right side of the bridge, and caused the vehicle to flip.

The other passengers in the SUV were all transported to Palmetto Health Richland to be treated for injuries. Dorothy Stowers was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected from the car.

Accident Involving Dump Truck Closes Lane of Highway 544

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol closed one of the eastbound lanes of Highway 544 Friday morning after an accident involving a dump truck. The accident happened at the intersection of Hwy. 544 and Dick Pond Road. Traffic was delayed because emergency crews had to work to free two of the drivers involved in the accident. The dump truck flipped on top of a mini van. The dump truck driver was transported to Conway Medical Center but the driver of the mini van suffered only minor injuries.

Authorities are still investigating the accident to determine what caused the crash. No charges have been filed yet in the case.

One Person Airlifted After Accident Closes Part of Highway 544

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A portion of Highway 544 was closed Thursday afternoon after an accident in the Carolina Lakes Blvd. area. The accident happened around 2:30 p.m. when a single truck crashed into some trees just short of the entrance to Carolina Lakes Blvd. It took Horry County rescue crews 45 minutes to free the driver from the truck. The driver was then airlifted to an area hospital to be treated for injuries. The driver's condition is unknown at this time.

The SC Highway Patrol is investigating this accident.

Man Found 2 Days After Moped Crash

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina troopers say that Marvin Tolliver, 48, had been dead for more than 2 days after the moped he was driving crashed on Sandifer Road south of York. His son hadn't seen him for several days and went to look for him. Troopers say Tolliver drove off of Sandifer Road at a bridge, went over the embankment, and landed near a creek.

Troopers are still investigating the crash but say that it does appear to be a single vehicle accident. Tolliver last had contact with friends around 2 a.m. Sunday and it is believed the crash happened shortly after that as he was heading home. Toxicology tests are still pending.

Table Top Clip-On Chair Recalled Due to Fall and Amputation Hazard

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the "metoo" Clip-On Chair imported by phil&teds. According to the release, missing or worn clamp pads allow the chairs to detach from a variety of different table surfaces which poses a fall hazard. In addition, when the chair detaches, childrens fingers can be caught between the bar and clamping mechanism posing an amputation hazard.

The company, phil&teds, and the CPSC have received 19 reports of the chairs falling from different table surfaces including 5 reports that included injuries. Two of those reports stated that children's fingers were severely pinched, lacerated, crushed or amuptated. The other three reports stated injuries of bruising after a chair detached suddenly and the child struck the floor or table.

The chair was sold by Buy Buy Baby, Target, Toys R US, and their online sites. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact the company to receive a free repair kit. For more information please visit www.CPSC.gov

Motorcyclist and 2 Horses Killed in Deadly Accident

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person and 2 horses are dead after a motorcycle accident late Monday night on I-26 in Columbia. According to authorities, the motorcycle was going east on I-26 near mile marker 109 in Lexington County when it struck a trailer being pulled by an SUV that was also traveling east. The collision caused both the motorcycle and the trailer to catch fire.

The driver of the motorcycle died at the scene of the accident. Troopers also say that the two horses in the trailer also died in the accident. The driver of the SUV was unharmed. Police are still investigating this accident.

Apps That Will Help Keep Your Kids From Texting and Driving

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have children that are driving, chances are they have cell phones. It is also likely that they are texting and/or talking on the phone while driving which can lead to accidents. However, adults can't seem to stop themselves from doing the same thing. The Insurance Institute Of Highway Safety says that 40% of drivers reported they are on their phones while driving at least a few times per week and 19% talk daily. It is because of this that 22% of car accidents in 2009 were caused by cell phone usage and distracted driving.

So what can be done to help keep adults and teens alike from being distracted while driving? One solution is cell phone apps that disable a large portion of phone functionality while driving. Apps like T-Mobile's "DriveSmart Plus" and "Key2SafeDriving" sense when you're driving by the GPS in your phone measuring speed. After doing this, the app disables most of the phone's functional features once a pre-determined speed is reached. Of course there is an emergency override feature built in to the app, as well as an override feature for passengers in the car.

Another solution suggested is a combination of phone hardware and applications. This type of solution uses a small module that gets attached to part of the car. Once the module is triggered by the car being used, a signal is transmitted to disable the phone. The last suggestion is a Bluetooth type technology that enables all voice and text-to-speech capabilites in the phone.

Setting a good example for teen drivers is important. Not using the phone while driving keeps you alert and focused on the road, instead of being a distracted driver that is likely to cause an accident. These technologies are available to help make our roads safer and keep our kids safe as well.

Toddler Killed After Being Hit by Minivan

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A toddler was hit and killed by a minivan in Lancaster Thursday evening around 5:48 p.m, on Loraine Lane. Reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol state that the toddler wandered into the street and was struck by Kyndal Funderburke. The toddler died as a result of the accident.

The highway patrol is investigating the accident.

Man Charged with DUI After Wreck with Fire Truck

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol states that one man has been charged with DUI after the car he was driving collided with the back of a fire truck early Saturday morning. According to the report, the fire truck was parked in the far right lane with the emergency lights on working the scene of an accident near US-17A near Long Street, north of I-26 in Berkeley County. Troopers say that 25-year-old Jonathan Russell crashed his 2003 Mitsubishi into the rear of the fire truck. He was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. He was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

Russell was charged with driving under the influence and not wearing a seatbelt. The Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.

ATV Driver Dies After Hitting Deer

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol say that an ATV driver has died after hitting a deer early Sunday morning. Jessie Darnell Reeves, 26, was driving a 2003 Suzuki ATV east on SC 346 around 1 a.m. Sunday when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer. Reeves unfortunatley still collided with the deer and the force caused him to fly off of the ATV. He was taken to Kershaw Hospital where is was pronounced dead. Authorities are still investigating the accident.

Infant Dies in Car Accident on I-20

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car accident that happened Wednesday afternoon in Columbia on I-20 killed an 11-month-old boy. The accident happened around 5 pm near the Two Notch Road exit when two vehicles travling eastbound collided with each other. According to reports, 11-mont-old Ayden Ferby was unrestrained in one of the vehicles and was thrown from it as a result of the accident. Ferby died at the scene of the accident. Another passenger from one of the cars was taken to the hospital with injuries. Sadly, police state that if Ferby had been properly restrained inside the car, his death would most likely have been avoided.

The SC Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident. It is also unclear whether any charges will be filed against the drivers.

One Dead After Accident on I-26 in Berkeley County Thursday

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning accident on I-26 in Berkeley County claimed the life of one person and caused traffic delays for hours. The accident happened around mile marker 197 when a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria that was traveling west ran off the right side of the road and struck several trees. The driver of the car was transported to MUSC and the passenger in the car, Judy Pye Godbee, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to reports, Godbee leaned over to tell the driver something and unintentionally grabbed the steering wheel which caused the car to go off the road. Godbee was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the SC Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coronor's Office.

Lawnmower Runs Over and Kills Child in Tabor City

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three year old boy is dead following an accident involving a lawnmower. The police state that the Tabor City boy was riding on the lawnmower with an adult around 4 p.m. Wednesday on West Third Street when the adult stopped the mower and got off for a brief moment. That is when it is suspected that the child touched something on the mower that caused it to start moving. The boy then fell off the lawnmower and was run over by it. The boy, Mario Lewis Jr., was taken to Loris Hospital but died later Wednesday evening. The police are still investigating the accident in order to determine the exact chain of events.

Heat Waves Cause Concern for Athletes in Trainging Camps for Fall Seasons

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

This summer has been espcially hot. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said that many areas across the U.S. have been under excessive heat advisories for long periods of the summer with record breaking temperatures. With all of this focus on the heat waves, many are beginning to question how safe it is for young athletes to be starting fall practices in August.

Football is one of the most risky sports to start in August because of the high heat and high humidity, especially in the south. In the past several weeks, two 16-year-old football players from Georgia, one 14-year-old player from South Carolina, and an assitant football coach in Texas have all died with some form of heat related injury. These types of senseless deaths can be prevented.

In a study in the International Journal of Biometeorology using data from the last 29 years, found that there has been an increase of heat-related illnesses and deaths among football players and mostly since the mid 1990's. Most of the cases involved high school football players. The study indicated that working out in helmets and full pads caused the most problems because it interferes with the heat loss mechanism in the body and increases heat production. One interesting point in the study was that most of the deaths occurred during morning practice which have high humidity levels. Working out in the mornings provides athletes with a false sense of security because it is cooler; however, the high humidity makes it just as dangerous when you are working out as hard as they do in training camps.

The body regulates temperature by sweating, and when it is very humid outside, it is increasingly harder for the body to regulate its temperature. This puts you at higher risk for heat stroke. Some of the symptoms include cool, sweaty, moist skin with goosebumps despite the heat, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. Confusion and disorentation can also be warning signs. The American Academy of Pediatrics have released new guidelines that state healthy kids can safely participate in outdoor sports as long as they are sufficiently hydrated, have adaptive training, and get frequent rest periods. The guidelines also recommend coaches, trainers, and other adults receive education as to the risks and and warning signs associated with heat stress.

The most important thing is to be very careful and very aware of all players and athletes that are participating in practices. Heat can be a killer, and knowing the warning signs is the best weapon to combat this growing issue. Staying hydrated, as well as acclimating the players to the heat, is the best way to protect them.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC personal injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Three Family Members in Two Seperate Vehicles Die in Accident

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three cousins were killed and two children were airlifted after an auto accident east of Manning. According to the SC Highway Patrol, Ella Nora Williams, 43, was killed after the GMC Yukon she was driving collided with a Checy Impala on Highway 521. Williams' mother 65-year-old Emma Jane was a passenger in the Yukon and also died. The driver of the Impala, Thelma DcDowell, 57, was killed in the accident as well. Troopers say that McDowell and Williams were second cousins.

Two children in the Yukon, 10-year-old Alexandria Williams, who is Ella Williams' daughter and 6-year-old Kevon Myers, who is Emma Williams' grandson, were airlifted to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident. According to the reports, the Yukon was going south on Highway 521 when it collided head on with the Impala going north. Ella Williams was not wearing a seatbelt, however, Emma Jane and Thelma McDowell were wearing their seatbelts. The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Woman Drives Wrong Way on I-26, Dies

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Deputies with the South Carolina Highway Patrol have stated that a woman died early Sunday morning after driving her car the wrong way on I-26 in Lexington County. She caused a three car accident around 1 AM Sunday morning. The driver, Jennifer Lock, 28, was driving a 2002 Saturn eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-26 when she collided head-on with a 2007 Toyota Corolla and a 2007 Ford Mustang.

Authorities say that Lock was trapped in her car and was pronounced dead at the scene from severe head and body trauma. The other two drivers were taken to Palmetto Health Richland. The accident is still under investigation by the SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team.

Georgetown County Accident Leads to One Fatality

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed one fatality in an auto accident early Saturday morning on U.S. 701 South near Trinity Road in Georgetown County. The accident happened around 3:40 am when a 2005 Honda Civic driven by Gershon Grier ran off the left side of the road and collided with the guardrail and a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, and was ejected from the car.

The accident is still under investigation by the highway patrol.

Chevy Impala and Buick LaCrosse Recalled for Steering Defect

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

GM annouced a recall of certain 2012 Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Impala models in the U.S. and Canada for two spereate defects related to the steering systems.

The first recall is of 4,293 LaCrosses because of an incorrect calibration of the Stabilitrak electronic stability system. According to reports, a malfunction int he system could cause it to "falsely activate" which could result in a sudden change in the vehicle handling and deceleration. It could result in a crash without any warning according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration.

In a seperate recall, GM is recalling 11,905 2012 Impala models to checky for faulty installation of the power steering hose. The reports state that a wrongly placed hose could be damaged and spray fluid onto hot parts of the engine, creating a potential fire hazard.

GM has stated that it has no reports or crashes or injuries related to either defect. The 16,198 owners affected by the recalls will receive letters in the mail from the company this month.

Motorcyclist Killed on Highway 17 Thursday Afternoon

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist is dead after an accident Thursday afternoon on U.S. 17 Business near Mt. Gilead Road in Murrells Inlet. The deceased, Bernard Sellins, died from head trauma. The accident occurred when a 2000 Nissan Maxima stopped at a red light going south and was struck from behind by the 2003 Honda motorcycle. Sellins was not wearing a helemt at the time of the accident. The passenger and driver of the car were wearing seatbelts and were not injured in the accident.

The highway patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Accident Outside of Charleston Causes 9 Hour Closing

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The eastbound lanes of I-26 in North Charleston were closed for almost 9 hours due to an accident involving two tractor-trailer trucks. The crash caused the wood chips being carried by both trucks to catch fire. Both drivers were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. They were both wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

The police investigating the cause of the accident.

I-77 Closed for Hours After Tractor-Trailer Accident

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

I-77 in Columbia was closed for several hours Wednesday morning after a tractor-trailer carrying glass overturned near Bluff Road. The driver, Harold Thomas Bradley was driving north on I-77 when he lost control of the semi-truck and it overturned. He was not treated for any injuries.

The accident is still under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

Perfect Fitness to Pay $425,000 For Failing to Report Fall Injury Hazard

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Perfect Fitness has been ordered to pay a $425,000 civil penalty for knowingly failing to report to the CPSC a product defect in reference to the Perfect Pullup exercise equipment. The penalty satisfies staff allegations that Pefect Fitness knowingly failed to report the defect; the product could break during use resulting in a fall hazard.

Perfect Fitness determined in June 2008 that the equipment was defective following re-testing of the handle design. The testing was done after the company received complaints and an unusual number of product returns. Perfect Fitness redesigned the product to correct the defect in July 2008.

However, the CPSC says that Perfect Fitness was aware of at least 23 injuries associated with the product in March 2010. The company posted a notice on its website to let the customers know about a free product replacement. The firm did not report the defect to the CPSC until December 2010. By this time, the company was aware of at least 45 complaints of injury.

The company issued a recall in February 2011 of about 7,000 Perfect Pullup products.

One Person Dead After Accident in Lexington County

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Lexington County man is dead after a car accident Monday afternoon. Lexington County authorities say the man, Michael H. Powers was traveling at a high rate of speed on Juniper Springs Road when he lost control of his 1998 Ford, overturned several times, and was ejected from the car.

Powers was taken to Lexington Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. The accident is still being investigated by the Lexington County Coroner's Office and the SC Highway Patrol.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC auto accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Myrtle Beach Man Charged with DUI After Accident with Golf Cart

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Myrtle Beach man is in jail after authorities say he crashed his golf cart into a vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. Thomas Peter Mortimore was charged with DUI and disorderly conduct after being invloved in an accident with an SUV Monday evening near 5300 North Ocean Blvd. According to reports Mortimore left the scene of the accident on foot and police were able to locate him near Poinsett Road and North Kings Hwy. He was identified as the driver of the golf cart. He refused to cooperate during field sobriety tests and was taken to the Myrtle Beach jail. Officiers later learned that his driver's license was under suspension.

Police continue to obtain details about the accident.

Thursday Car Accident Kills 2

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Thursday afternoon crash near Santee claimed the lives of 2 people. The accident involved three cars on the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion around 12 pm. The two deaths were the the driver and passenger of a 2010 Chevy Impala that became sandwiched between two other cars. Both of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to reports, all three cars were traveling northbound when the accident happened. A 2006 Dodge truck driven by Craig Sairchok struck the rear of the Impala which then struck the rear of a 2007 Honda driven by Denise Pestaro. The Impala and the Honda were slowing for traffic when the truck struck them. The two people in Sairchok's truck and the four people in the Honda were all wearing seatbelts and did not sustain any injuries. Sairchok was taken to the hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

The SC Highway patrol is continuing to investigate this accident.

Two People Die in Single Car Crash in Bamberg

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol state that two people died in an auto accident and four others were taken to the hospital in Bamberg County. The driver, Frankie Glover, was traveling east on Charleston-Augusta Road near Bamberg when he lost control of his 1994 Ford Explorer. The car also flipped in the accident. Glover was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Two of the passengers inside of the vehicle died at the scene. One was wearing a seatbelt and the other was ejected from the car. Three other passengers were also ejected from the car and airlifted to Richland Memorial Hospital.

The highway patrol's MAIT team is continuing to investigate the accident to determine the exact cause.

15 Year Old Boy Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 15-year-old boy riding his bicycle was struck and killed Friday night. Malcolm Robinson was riding his bike north on Highway 39 about 9:30 pm when a vehicle struck him. His body was found a short time later. Troopers stated that they have now found the vehicle involved in the accident, however, no one has been arrested.

The Highway Patrol's MAIT team is still investigating and is asking for the public's help. Any information concerning the hit-and-run should be reported to local authorities.

Driver Dead after Hitting Tree in Single Car Accident

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that the driver of a 1992 Chevy pickup is dead after hitting a tree around 1 AM Sunday morning on Dean Swamp Church Road in Orangeburg County. The driver was going north on Dean Swamp Church Road when they went off the left side of the road, overcorrected, and then went off the right side of the road and hit a tree. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is still under investigation.

Police Searching for Vehicle Involved in Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are still searching for a vehicle that was involved in a hit-and-run accident that sent one pedestrian to the hospital Saturday afternoon. The accident occured on Heyward Brockington near Porter Road in Richland County. Authorities say an unknown vehicle was traveling west when it struck a 20-year-old pedestrian walking east. The victim was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Troopers are still determining the exact make and model of the vehicle involved in the accident.

Florence Man Killed in Car Accident

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The SC Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate an auto accident that killed a man in Darlington County. The accident happened as the driver of a van hit a car at the intersection of Syracuse Community Road and High Hill Road around 6 pm Sunday afternoon. The driver of the van, Phillip Wayne Amerson, died in the accident. Amerson was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation continues into the accident.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Highway 17 Bypass

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle accident at the intersection of Glenns Bay Road and Highway 17 Bypass Thursday afternoon claimed the life of one person. The accident happened just before 1 p.m. when the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on 17 Bypass and was attempting to make a left hand turn when he was struck by an SUV traveling north. The motorcyclist died as a result of the accident. He was identified as 72-year-old Jerry Smith. Smith was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Traffic on 17 Bypass was backed up for quite a while as crews worked to clear the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. No charges have been filed so far in the case.

Victim in Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Berkeley County Identified

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident in Berkeley County late Wednesday night. 30-year-old Lonnie Lee Ewan collided with a vehicle on Treeland Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene from head and body trauma. It was also determined that he was not wearing a helmet. The SC Highway Patrol has charged 20-year-old Shelbie Lynn Smith with felony DUI, open container, and simple possession of marijuana in the accident. Her bond was set at $251,090.

Moped Driver Dies After Running Red Light

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man has died after driving his moped through a red light and hitting a pickup truck Wednesday night in Lexington. 28-year-old Pete Hildebran was driving his moped east on Platt Springs Road near White Knoll High School shortly after 9:oo pm when he disregarded a red light and hit the side of a pickup truck driving north on Highway 6. Hildebran was taken to Lexington Medical center, but was later pronounced dead. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured, and the accident is still under investigation.

Black & Decker Fined $960,000 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a statement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Black & Decker will have to pay $960,000 in a settlement on allegations it did not alert U.S. regulators about a defective weed trimmer. In the statement, the CPSC says that Black & Decker "knowingly failed to report several safety defects and hazards" related to the Grasshog XP model. The agency also says that it withheld information as the agency tried to investigate reports of injury. About 158 people were injured between 2005 and 2009 from the trimmer.

The company knew that the high-powered, electric trimmer was defective by May 2006. After the CPSC closed the inital investigation based on incomplete information, Black & Decker did not provide complete information regarding the numerous incidents and injuries until late October of 2006.

By July 2007 the trimmers had been recalled and there were more than 700 reported incident cases, according to the CPSC. The device's spool, spool cap and pieces of the trimmer string could come loose and become projectiles. The Grasshog could also overheat and burn consumers.

Following reports of an additional 100 injuries, the recall was re-issued in August 2009. A repair kit is available for free in order to correct the issues.

Black & Decker does deny the CPSC's allegations that it knowingly violated the law.

Accident Involving 18 Wheeler Causes 1 Death

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident between an 18-wheeler and a car killed one person in Richland County on Tuesday. According to reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident happened just after 7 pm at the intersection of Highway 601 and Reynolds Road which is about 3 miles east of Eastover. The driver of the car, a 2011 Chevy four door, died at the scene. The car was traveling north on Hwy. 601 and the tractor trailer was driving south when they collided.

The crash is still under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

Study Links Sports-Related Brain Injury with Brain Disease

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

As fall sports seasons start gearing up, the discussion about brain injuries, concussions, and other injuries begin to start again as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 135,000 sports related concussion cases in kids between the ages of 5 and 18 are reported each year in emergency rooms. Overall, about 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year and of those, more than 50,000 die.

A new study of professional and high and school athletes has concluded that those who suffer repeated blows to the head are at risk to develop a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease does not present itself until years later in the form of memory loss, mood disorders, and sometimes early dementia.

The disease was first documented in 2002 after UC Davis clinical professor Bennet Omalu examined the brain of former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster. The current study used brain tissue from 17 deceased athletes and 3 high school football players.

After examining the tissue under a microscope, the researchers found plaques and protein tangles consistent with what is typically observed in Alzheimer's patients. The pattern however, was different. The tangles in an Alzheimer's patient are scattered throughout the brain in a fairly even distribution. The tangles found in the athletes' brains were found in concentrated pockets. Another notable distiction was that Alzheimer's patients are typically over 60 years old and all of the athletes were between the ages of 18 and 52.

Of the 17 tissue samples, researchers determined that 10 of the 14 professional athletes had CTE and 1 of the 3 high school players had CTE.

So far, the only way to find the disease is in an autopsy. Professor Omalu and his colleagues are working on ways to identify the disease in those that are still living in order to help develop drugs for treatment.

This study helps further the evidence that better head protection is needed for athletes of any age that engage in full contact sports. Being informed and knowing the signs of traumatic brain injuries is also key to prevention and treatment.

11 People Saved After Wave Disables Vessel in Sunday Storm

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rescuers saved 11 people on Lake Moultrie Sunday afternoon after severe thunderstorms swept through the area and disabled a boat. According to reports, a large wave came over the side of the pontoon boat and caused three people to fall overboard as well as disabling the engine. The accident happened around 5 pm and another passenger on the boat was able to call 911.

All 11 passengers from the boat were taken to shore and were examined by the Berkeley County EMS.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC boat/jet ski accident attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at The Derrick Law Firm has been handling boat/jet ski accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death claims in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Overnight Accident on I-26 in North Charleston

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two lanes were closed on I-26 in North Charleston last night after an auto accident. The accident sent 2 people to the hospital and occurred near the Ashley Phosphate exit. The Highway Patrol states that one car did hit the median. Crews were able to clear the scene and reopen the lanes.

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the accident.

Horry County Third in the State for Vehicle Fatalities

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has issued a county by county record of vehicle fatalities from January 1, 2011 to July 31,2011 and Horry County ranks third in vehicle fatalities.

According to the report, the number of highway fatalities in South Carolina since the beginning of the year has shown an increasing trend of 3% from last year with a total number of accidents resulting in death at 462. Out of those 462, Horry County ties for third with Lexington county with 28 highway deaths. Charleston County is first with a total of 32 deaths and Greenville County is second with 31 total highway deaths.

Even though the number of deaths has increased over the last year, Horry County has seen a major decrease over the past 3 years. The average fatalities in 2008 and 2009 was 32, and the total number of vehicle deaths in South Carolina was 544 during that same time frame. The state hopes by increasing safety measures and providing more education to the public that the numbers can continue to decrease and the roads in South Carolina will be safer.

Federal Safety Regulators Upgrade Investigation of Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans for Wheel Defects

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Federal safety regulators have upgraded their investigation into wheel defects in more than 310,000 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration posted a notice over the weekend that the investigation had been upgraded regarding the analysis of 317,315 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans in 2010 models because of complaints of wheel stud fractures. A wheel stud fracture can result in wheel seperation and loss of vehicle control.

The government originally opened the investigation in January for just the Ford models, however it is now expanded to include the Mercury models. The NHTSA has received 29 complaints and 128 warrenty claims. The NHTSA said there have been 4 reported wheel seperation incidents. A spokesperson for Ford said that the company is cooperating fully with investigators.

The majority of reports state that a significant noise and/or a vibration is present prior to the risk of wheel seperation. Ford says that most claims stated that the drivers reported hearing a noise, feeling vibrations, or seeing the broken studs which prompted them to bring the car in for service. The cars included in the investigation all had low milage, between 5,000 and 11,000 miles and the wheels had not ever been serviced prior to the incident.

Train Hits Car; Man Cited for Stopping on Tracks

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston man was cited by police for stopping on the railroad tracks after his Jeep was struck by an oncoming train Saturday night. John Arthell Davis was ejected from his car Saturday night at the intersection of Highway 52 and Redbank Road. Three other vehicles were also involved in the accident. A witness say that the traffic signal turned green and three cars made it across the tracks before the crossing arms started to come down. Davis' Jeep was stuck on the tracks after the cars in front of him were unable to move forward. After the train hit the Jeep, the Jeep spun around and hit an Oldsmobile, a Ford Focus, and a Toyota Highlander.

There is still some confusion as to whether or not the traffic signal was acutally green before the accident. The driver of the Jeep was taken to the hospital for several lacerations. Police continue to investigate this accident.

Troopers Seek Vehicle in Fatal Crash

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police in Lexington County are looking for a vehicle that was invovled in an accident that killed a 66-year-old woman Saturday night on US 378. According to reports, Arthur Wright was driving his GMC Yukon east on US 378 around 10:40 pm when an unknown car pulled out in front of him near Lake Village Drive. Wright tried to avoid hitting the other vehicle but skidded off the right side of the road and flipped several times. Wright was not injured, but his wife, Shirley Wright, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

The police are still looking for the other car and are asking for anyone with information to please contact authorities. The SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team is investigating the crash.

New Crib Standards Help Ensure Your Child's Safety

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 28, 2011 new mandatory safety standards took effect for infant cribs. These new standards were released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and require manufacturers and retailers to meet the new standards. These include the following 5 things:

1.) Traditional drop-side cribs cannot be made or sold; immobilizers and repair kits are not allowed
2.) Wood slats must be made of stronger woods to prevent breakage
3.) Crib hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off
4.) Mattress supports must be more durable
5.) Safety testing must be more rigorous

According to reports from the CPSC, detaching drop-side rails were associatedc with at least 32 infant deaths since 2000. These new standards will make for a safer enviroment while your children are sleeping. For more information please visit www.cpsc.gov

Fatal Crash in Horry County Leaves Woman Dead

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fatal car accident in Horry County Thursday afternoon claimed the life of Paula Angela Sarvis, 53, of Galivants Ferry. The crash happened at 1:57 p.m. at 1824 S.C. 9 Business just outside of Loris. Investigators are still unsure of what happened, but Sarvis' car was flipped over in the accident and she was pronounced dead at the scene from internal injuries.

Police will continue to investigate the accident to determine what happened.

New Report Links Traumatic Brain Injury to an Increase in Stroke Risk

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a study released in "Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association" there is now a direct correlation between traumatic brain injury and the risk of stroke within three months.

According to Herng-Ching Lin, PhD.; senior study author and professor at the School of Health Care Administration, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, states " It's reasonable to assume that cerebrovascular damage in the head caused by traumatic brain injury can trigger either a hemorrhagic stroke or an ischemic stroke." This is the first study that pinpoints traumatic brain injury as a risk factor for a stroke.

Using a nationwide Taiwanese database, the researchers investigated the risk of stroke in TBI patients over the course of a 5-year period. There were 23,199 adult TBI patients who received ambulatory hospital care between 2001-2003. In the comparison group there were 69,597 non-TBI injury patients. The average patient age was 42 and a little over half of those were male. During the three month period after injury, 2.91% of TBI patients suffered a stroke as compared to only 0.30% of those with non-TBI injuries. The risk for stroke did decrease over time, according to the research.

It was also noted that stroke risk was high in those patients that had suffered a bone fracture than those that did not have fractures. The researchers also came to the conclusion that considering age and gender, TBI patients were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure than those without traumatic brain injuries.

Lin suggests that early neuroimaging exams, like a MRI, as well as extensive medical monitoring should be required following a traumatic brain injury. He also said that better health education could increase public awareness about the factors that cause strokes and the signs and symptoms of stroke in patients that have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

The study is another step in proving that there is a link between traumatic brain injuries and other health problems later. It is important to be informed of the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury and then to be very aware of the signs of other health problems, like stroke, that can occur after a TBI.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Releases Drowning Numbers from Memorial Day to 4th of July

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission released a snapshot of the number of drowning or near drowning incidents from Memorial Day to July 4th of 2011. The release conincided with Pool Safety Day across America and also in conjuction with the American Red Cross's National Water Safety Survey.

According to the report, there have been 48 drownings and 75 near-drowning incidents in 35 states and territories. The numbers have drawn attention to the issue of pool and aquatic facilities safety and also the need for added vigilance. Pool Safety Campaign leader for the CPSC, Kathleen Reilly, said "We want to encourage everyone to remember that simple steps save lives. You never know which safety step will save a life ...until it does."

The CPSC hopes that the numbers will decrease over the rest of the summer after the awareness campaign. Keep safe this summer by educating your family about the simple steps around water that can help save their lives.

Car Accident on Highway 501 Ties Up Traffic

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The southbound lanes of Highway 501 were backed up for miles Tuesday afternoon after a multi-car accident. The accident happened around 3:30 p.m. near West Perry Road. The South Carolina Department of Transportation said that the southbound lanes were closed from Carolina Forest Blvd. to Wright Blvd. after the accidents occured. According to the SC Highway Patrol, a vehicle rearended another and caused that vehicle to go into the ditch. The first vehicle then struck another car and that car hit another. The driver of the car that went into the ditch was transported to the hospital.

The Highway patrol worked the accident scene and will continue an investigation.

Log Truck Overturns in Conway, Causes Delay

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A log truck overturned Friday morning on Main Street in Conway and caused major delays. The truck overturned on its side spilling logs in front of the post office. No injuries were reported and the logs were able to be cleared shortly after the accident.

Accident on I-26 Claims 1 Life

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Florida woman is dead after an auto accident on I-26 in Orangeburg county late Friday evening. The accident happened around 11:30 p.m. when a 1999 Nissan SUV lost control, went off the right side of the road and then overturned.

The 48-year-old driver was taken via ambulance to the hospital and the front seat passenger was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland. Sadly, the back-seat passenger was pronouced dead at the scene. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the woman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car during the accident.

The accidnet was investigated by the SCHP MAIT unit.

Suspect in Saturday Hit-and-Run Death Charged

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police have arrested a Texas man in connection wih the deadly hit-and-run accident that happened early Saturday morning. Todd Evan Elmore, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene after he was struck on Clay Pond Road near the intersection of Arrowhead Boulevard.

Alonzo suarez, 26, of Dallas Texas was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death, accorind to Cpl. Bob Beres of the SC Highway Patrol. Troopers found the suspects vehicle about 2.5 miles from the crash site.

Police Chase Results in Fatal Accident

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Charleston County Sherrif's Office said that 39-year-old James Brown died Saturday night after leading the police on a chase after failing to pull over for a traffic stop. Brown was speeding on southbound Highway 162 when he did not pull over for blue lights. He passed a car on a double yellow line, ran off the right side of the road, hit a ditch, and then crashed into a parked car. Brown was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

The SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team investigated the accident.

Teen Drives Wrong Way on I-26, Kills Woman

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston teenager has been charged with felony DUI and reckless homicide after he drove his car the wrong way on I-26 and killed another woman. 19-year-old Samuel McCauley had his bond set Monday at over $100K after police say he drove his Nissan Maxima the wrong way on I-26 westbound just north of Coming Street near the Crosstown.

McCauley's car crashed into a Honda Civic driven by 72-year-old Eleanor Caperton. Both drivers were transported to MUSC with severe injuries and Caperton later died from her injuries. Both cars had heavy front end damage as a result of the crash.

2 Dead After Boat Accident on Lake Murray

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man and a woman died Friday night when their 17-foot Ranger bass boat crashed head-on into a dock on Lake Murray. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says that the crash happened about 10:30 pm and killed 53-year old Timothy Jones and 45-year old Kimberly Bailey. According to reports, Jones and Bailey left a friends' house and were heading toward Chapin when they failed to see the dock which extended 60 feet from land. Bailey was ejected from the boat on impact. Both died from severe head trauma.

The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coronor's Office, the Lexington County Sheriff's department and the SCDNR.

Motorcycle Accidend Kills 1 in Horry County

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

An active duty marine is dead after a motorcycle accident on Airport Road Sunday afternoon. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that the accident happend near Loris Airport around 12:45 pm when a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle ran off the side of the road and hit a tree. The driver was 29-year old Jeffrey Bennett. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Boat Accident Blamed on Boating Under the Influence

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A boat operator in Charleston has been charged with driving under the influence after hitting a channel marker in Charleston Harbor early Sunday morning. The operator, Tracy L. Smith was charged after the Coast Guard was called to rescue the passengers of the boat after they were thrown into the water from the impact of hitting the marker. Two of the boaters were injured in the accident.

The Coast Guard and the SC Department of Natural Resources helped conduct interviews and investigate the cause of the accident.

One Man Dead After Motorcycle Accident

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

One man is dead following a motorcycle accident in Lexington County Wednesday afternoon. According to police, Walter Collins, 71, was traveling north on Fairview Road when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a bridge barrier. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

The highway patrol is investigating the accident in order to determine what events led up to the accident.

15 Year-Old Involved in Fatal Accident in Lexington County

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 15-year-old girl who was driving illegally was involved in a fatal car accident that also claimed the life of her 10-year-old brother. Reports also confirm that her sister was also in the car and was sent to the hospital following the accident. Crystal Torres had her learner's permit but was breaking the law by driving without a person over the age of 20 in the car with her.

Reports state that she was driving a 2011 Honda Accord south on Highway 321 when an 18-wheeler collided with her car after entering the highway going eastbound near W. Hutto Road. Sadly, the accident happend only 6 miles form Torres' home. All three people in the car were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coronor's office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol MAIT team.

Automatic Braking in Cars Can Help Reduce Crashes

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

New automatic braking systems are being credited with reducing crashes. These systems, found on higher end cars like Audi, Lexus, and BMW have paved the way for more affordable automakers to jump on board. Several Chrysler models have a similar system.

The new evidence that shows how the systems help reduce crashes was released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In the study, a version of the system found in Volvo SUVs prevented one out of four low-speed crashes. The IIHS is hoping that the new evidence will help pursuade regulators to consider making the automatic braking system a requirement.

The IIHS is continuing to also study other safety measures that would work together with the braking system to help reduce the severity of injuries in an auto accident. Things like advanced safety belts that work with the brakes, adaptive headlights, as well as alerts that warn drivers when they leave their lane are some of the items on their list. The IIHS estimates that these systems can help prevent or lessen the impact of 1.9 million crashes per year and prevent at least one out of three fatal accidents.

Even though there would be an added cost to automakers to install the systems, either high speed or low speed braking, the benefits and evidence are pointing towards making it a requirement. Advanced safety features help reduce insurance claims costs especially when compared to what a claim would be after an accident.

In the end, safety systems can only do so much. It is up to the driver to stay alert and practice defensive driving.

Man Dies After Car Accident on I-95

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man was killed Saturday afternoon in an auto accident on I-95 in Clarendon County. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the accident occured at 2:15 p.m. near mile marker 114. A 2002 Dodge driven by Mary West went off of the road, came back on, and then overturned several times. The passenger in the car, Bobby West, was killed. Troopers say he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, but was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Mary West, was taken by helicopter to Palmetto Health Richland with non-life threatening injuries.

Hit-And-Run Accident Kills One

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are still looking for the suspect in a hit-and-run accident that occured Friday night in West Columbia. Brunson Wallace Hendrix, 47, was crossing Airport Boulevard when he was struck by a car. The driver then left the scene of the accident, and Hendrix died at the scene from his injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coronor's Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Cayce Police Department.

Accident on Northbound Highway 501 Causes Major Delays

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

An auto accident Friday afternoon caused major delays on Highway 501 near Carolina Forest. The first accident happened at 1:00 p.m. near Waccamaw Pines Drive. Then a second accident, involving a truck and a motorcycle, occured on Highway 501 in front of Sparks Toyota.

Traffic was backed up for quite a while as crews worked to remove the damaged vehicles.

New Study Indicates Traumatic Brain Injuries Double the Risk of Developing Dementia in Later Years

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new study from scientists at the University of California - San Francisco has suggested a stong link between traumatic brain injuries and the occurance of dementia later in life. In fact, the researchers say that those who have suffered a TBI are more than two times as likely to develop dementia.

Kristine Yaffe, director of the Memory Disorders Program at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, and her colleagues looked at medical records of nearly 300,000 veterans all 55 or older. None of the subjects had dementia at the beginning of the study. Around 2% of the cases had been affected by a TBI, and all of them had a least one inpatient or outpatient visit between 1997 and 2000 and a follow-up visit between 2001-2007.

According to her findings, the risk of dementia was 15% in those that had been diagnosed with a TBI and only 7% in those who had never had a TBI. In fact, other studies have shown that a traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of dementia. This study helps to further solidify previous findings. However, Yaffe and her collegues say that more research is needed in order to explore whether or not early rehabilitation can help reduce the risk. She also states it is very important for someone who has had a head injury and is approaching older age to be monitored and screened for cognitive dementia.

Child Booster Seats Recalled from Target Due to Risk of Fall

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has expanded its recall of children's booster seats sold at Target stores after reports of additional falls. According to the press release, the restraint buckle can open unexpectedly and allow the child to fall from the chair and get injured.

After the initial recall, Target received 10 additional reports of the buckles opening and three reported bumps and/or bruises when the child fell forward out of the booster seat and hit an object or the floor.

The recall invovles Circo Booster seats sold as early as 2005 through 2009. Consumers should stop using the seats and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

Boaters Hurt After Explosion at Tega Cay Marina

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Four people were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon at the Tega Cay marina after a boat exploded after refueling. Authorties say that a total of six people were onboard the 37-foot cabin crusier when it pulled away from the dock after refueling. It was at that time that the boat exploded.

Witnesses say that two adults and two boys jumped from the boat and were pulled from the water by onlookers at the marina. One was airlifted and three were taken via ambulance to Carolinas Medical Center. Two of those injured in the accident were then sent to the burn unit at UNC Chapel Hill.

Five other boats at the marina were damaged as a result of the explosion and authorities say they are still unclear as to what caused the explosion. A complete investigation will be done as soon as the boat can be pulled out of the marina.

Officals warn that boaters should properly vent after refueling by using the blower to sift gas away from the engine compartment and should then make sure they don't smell any gas fumes before starting the engine. Many times, boaters skip this step and it can lead to fires.

Waterparks: Summer Fun Can Lead to Injuries and Deaths

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

As the summer temperatures rise, waterparks become a popular destination for people looking to beat the heat and have a little fun. However, they can be dangerous places where accidents causing injuries and even deaths can occur. Recently, there have been a number of accidents and even deaths at waterparks all over the U.S.

Waterparks first gained popularity in the 1980's and today there are over 1,000 facilities. Over 79 million people visited waterparks in 2010 alone; however, according to a study from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance Survey, 3,819 people sought treatment for injuries sustained at waterparks between 1998-2007. The vast majority of those injuries came from people riding down a waterslide. Fractures, lacerations, extremity sprains, head injuries, and contusions are the most common injuries.

Some contributing factors to those injuries are the speeds patrons reach while riding down the slides. One study showed that a person could reach speeds on certain slides that could crush cervical vertebrae and could also get a severe head injury if they hit the side of the slide or the bottom of the pool. Spinal injuries can also occur if the patron is sliding head-first down the slide.

So what can be done to prevent accidents while still having fun? The biggest thing is to just be aware and use common sense. Always follow the rules and regulations for the slides and rides at a waterpark. Also, be aware of others around you, and never use an attraction if you do not meet the regulations. The waterparks are also trying to do their part by adding supervision, eliminating tight turns, smoothing out rough edges, and installing non-slip surfaces. Waterparks can be fun and enjoyable for the entire family and are a great way to cool off during the summer. Just remember to have fun but always put safety first.

Toy Dart Sets Sold at Family Dollar Stores Target of Recall

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of toy dart sets sold exclusively at Family Dollar stores. The CPSC received two reports of asphyxiation deaths involving children under the age of 10.

The darts are made of a soft, pliable plastic and if placed in the mouth, it can be easily inhaled and lodge in the throat making it impossible for the child to breathe. The Family Dollar store worked with the CPSC to recall the toy because the maker of the set, Henry Gordy International, refused to recall the product. The sets were sold between September 2005 and January 2009.

Consumers are urged to throw the toy dart gun sets away or contact the store for a refund.

Char-Broil Recalled Vertical Gas Smokers Due to Injury Risk

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Char-Broil recalled their vertical gas smokers due to an apparent risk of injury after the possiblity of gas building up inside the smoker.

According to the CPSC, when the temperature setting is on "low" the smoker's hose/valve/regulator did not allow sufficient gas to flow causing the flame to go out. However, gas continued to flow and build up inside the smoker. If it was re-lit, the build up of propane could cause an explosion and burst the smoker door open.

The Product Safety Commission received five reports of doors bursting open and hitting consumers, causing injuries that included burns to the face and head, cuts, and head concussions. These smokers were sold between March 2008 and June 2010.

The CPSC urges consumers to stop using the recalled smokers and can contract Char-Broil for a free replacement hose/valve/regulator.

Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations Prompt Recall of Strollers Made by Maclaren USA

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On May 12, 2011 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers that were sold prior to November 2009. Maclaren has received over 149 incident reports about this product.

The strollers were originally recalled in 2009 and they were able to be repaired. However, since the first recall, Maclaren has reported another 37 injuries have occured; including 5 more fingertip amputations, 16 additional lacerations, and 16 fingertip entrapments/bruising.

A free repair kit is available to correct the problem for strollers sold before November 2009. Any strollers sold after May 2010 have a different hinge design and are not effected by the recall.

For more information please visit the CPSC website.

Recall of Video Baby Monitor that Killed a Conway, SC 6 Month Old

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of Summer Infant video baby monitors in order to provide new product labels and instructions. The monitors have electrical cords and can cause a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers if placed too close to the crib.

There have been two reports of strangulation deaths of infants, one in March 2010 involving a 10-month old girl who was strangled in her crib. The monitor camera had been placed on top of the crib rail. The other death was in November 2010, and involved a 6-month old boy from Conway. In that case, the camera had been placed on a changing table attached to the crib.

The makers of the monitor system have begun a campaign to provide new on-product labels for the video monitors sold between January 2003 and February 2011. Consumers are urged to check the location of the video monitors, electrical cords, and even those mounted on the wall to make sure they are out of reach of children.

Auto Accident on I-26 Ejects 1 Passenger

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident on I-26 in Summerville early Monday morning ejected at least 1 of the passengers in the car. The accident happened in the eastbound lanes of I-26 near mile marker 198 around 5:45 a.m. A Toyota Sequoia with 6 people inside overturned several times and ejected one of the passengers. All 6 people in the car were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Officers with the highway patrol will continue to investigate what caused the accident.

New Law May Require Hybrid and EV Vehicles to Sound Alerts to Pedestrians

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could require hybrid and electric cars to sound an alert to pedestrians. These cars are so quiet that they can be almost silent and make it very hard for pedestrians and bikers to hear an approaching vehicle.

The NHTSA posted a notice on their website outlining the first steps toward making this rule into an enforced regulation. It would require light-duty cars, motorcycles, vans, and truckts to automatically sound an alert at a low speed, thus making those types of vehicles safer. Two previous reports investigated by the NHTSA found that quiet hybrid and electric cars pose a greater safety risk than their gas-powered equivalents to pedestrians, and especially to the visually impaired.

The step towards making this a manadatory regulation was mandated under the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, and it calls for the NHTSA to publish a final rule in regards to alerts and the standards by January 2014. Cars such as the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf have these types of sounds already installed; however, the Volt requires the driver to activate the system.

The NHTSA has stated that the agency will explore several options for the sound system that will make use of the best combination of sounds that will be most beneficial for preventing unnecessary accidents.

Teen Collides With Log Truck, Dies

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Rock Hill teenager is dead following an auto accident involving a logging truck. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Kenneth B. Steel, Jr. was driving a 1993 Honda north on Highway 5 Wednesday afternoon when he attempted to pass another car. When Steel moved into the opposite lane, he collided head-on with a logging truck. Steel was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte where he later died from the injuries he sustained in the accident.
The highway patrol shut down Highway 5 for a few hours while they conducted their investigation.

Charleston Doctor Killed in Bicycle Accident

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston area doctor was killed Tuesday after the bicycle he was riding was hit by a utility van and he was thrown over the side of the James Island Connector. 54-year-old Mitchell Hollon was riding his bicycle on the westbound side of the connector in the shoulder around 8:40 a.m. when a AT&T utility van drifted to the right and struck him. He was knocked over the side of the connector and into the marsh 40 feet below.

Authorities recovered his body from the marsh and concluded the driver of the van contributed to the collision. Charges have not yet been filed but the investigation is still ongoing.

Single Car Accident Kills Driver

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident in Florence on Tuesday killed the driver and only occupant of the vehicle. The SC Highway Patrol says that around 3:45 p.m. a GMC Envoy ran off the side of Railroad Aveune and struck a tree, killing the driver. The driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The highway patrol continues to investigate the accident to determine what caused the driver to leave the roadway.

Woman Charged with Felony DUI After Interstate Accident

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that 20-year-old Evelyn Freeman has been charged with felony DUI after a fatal car accident on I-26 in Charleston early Wednesday morning. Freeman was heading west on I-26 near Ashley Phosphate when her 2003 Ford Expedition hit the median. The car crossed all four lanes of traffic and crashed into the ditch off the right side of the interstate.

The passenger in the car, 28-year-old Terral Freeman, was thrown from the vehicle and hit by oncoming traffic. He died from his injuries.

According to Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, Freeman was under the influence at the time of the accident. Another driver had reported her for reckless driving shortly before the accident.

The accident is still under investigation, but Freeman has been charged with felony DUI.

I-95 Collision Kills 1, Injures 1

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two cars crashed on I-95 in Dillon County Tuesday evening leaving one person dead and another injured. Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins with the SC highway patrol says the accident happened around mile marker 183 on I-95 south around 6:15 p.m.

Two cars, a 2008 Ford Fusion and a Chevy Impala, were both traveling south when they made contact. The Fusion struck the guardrail, killing the driver. The passenger in that car was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. The driver of the Impala was not injured in the accident.

Collins says that no charges have been filed yet, but the accident is still under investigation.

University of Florida Scientists Develop Way to Sort Brain Cells for Potential Transplants

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Scientists at the University of Florida have discovered a way to seperate brain cells in for the potential use as treatment for patients suffering from a wide range of diseases, including traumatic brain injury. The technique could be applied to stem cell treatments for Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries as it would allow doctors to deliver neurons to patients without including large amounts of other types of unnecessary brain cells.

Brent A. Reynolds, professor of Neurosurgery with UF's McKnight Brain Institute says, " We need to be able to deliver precise doses of the therapeutic drug, which in this case is neurons, that are needed to restore function lost as a result of disease or injury." He goes on to state, "Prior to the development of our technology, it was not possible to deliver highly pure populations of neurons, or to be able to control the number of neurons delivered."

This method uses non-controversial adult brain tissue, and researchers, experimenting with neural stem cells from rodents, were able to generate hearty, immature cells that will be fully committed to becoming neurons. This discovery leads researchers to believe it will be possible to provide unlimited quantites of neurons from a safe, renewable source of cells for replacement therapies in the central nervous system.

The researchers explain that by suspending neural stem cell offspring in a tissue culture medium and running it through a cytometer, they were able to efficiently select and seperate the neurons from other less desirable brain cells, based solely on their unique size and internal composition.

Reynolds says that transplantation therapies using neural stem cells are moving forward into clinical trials with about 6 or 7 groups around the world testing them for safety and efficiency. He says "whether it will work or not is yet to be seen. This technology is going to increase the chances that transplantation will show efficacy and will be a valid approach to repair the injured brain."

Highway 707 Auto Accident Closes Southbound Lanes

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that an accident occured around 9:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at the intersection of Highway 707 and Big Block Road. A white SUV went off the road and into a ditch. However, more details about how the accident happened were unavailable.

The southbound lanes of Highway 707 were closed while emergency workers cleared the accident. The accident remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Man Drowns in Murrells Inlet Early Sunday

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has identified the body of George Nathan Kennerly, 46, after he apparently drowned early Sunday morning in Murrells Inlet. His body was found in the water near Cedar Hill resting against some marsh grass.

A passing boater noticed Kennerly's empty boat and called officials. Though his body was found 1/2 mile from a private boat landing, there was no indication of injury. Officials did find fishing equipment and a small quantity of alcohol on the boat, but said that alcohol didn't appear to be a factor in his death. An autopsy will be performed in order to determine the cause of death.

Man Dies After Single Car Accident in Darlington

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single car accident killed one man Saturday evening. John L. Jackson died after an accident on Mayberry Road in Darlington County. Officals say that he was the passenger in a 2007 Chevy truck traveling north on Mayberry Road when the truck went off the side of the road and collided with a tree. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Jackson was flown from the crash scene to a local hospital where he later died. The driver of the truck, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the SC Highway patrol and no charges have been filed yet in the case.

Passenger Dies after Car Hits Ditch and then a Building

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

One man is dead after the car he was riding in struck a ditch and then hit a building in Lexington County. The accident happened on Cross Road which is eight miles east of Lexington. Authorities say that Christopher Shawn Mitchell, 22, and another person were driving a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo west on Cross Road at a high rate of speed when the driver failed to stop at the intersection of Platt Springs Road. The car hit a ditch and then collided with a building.

Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and the coronor said he was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. The cause of death was determined to be multiple head and body trauma. The driver was also not wearing a seatbelt and was also ejected from the car. He was taken to Palmetto Health Richland with serious injuries.

The highway patrol's MAIT team is continuing to investigate the accident.

Teen Racing Motorcycle Seriously Injured in Accident

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Lancaster teenager was badly injured after a motorcycle accident Thursday night in Lancaster County. 18-year-old Wylie Penegar was seriously injured in a crash around 9 p.m. Thursday evening when he apparently lost control of the motorcycle he was riding. Officials say he appeared to be racing another friend on another motorcycle when he lost control, skidded, and crashed. He was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Georgetown Fisherman's Arm Severed

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Coast Guard, Alan Carl, 45, was involved in a boat accident last Thursday morning around 7 a.m. The accident happened on the ocean near the opening of the North Santee Bay. Carl severed his arm at the shoulder in the winch on the shrimp boat. Carl's son applied pressure to the wound until help could arrive. Carl was flown by helicopter to MUSC in Charleston for treatment.

Richland County Deputy Involved in Accident That Left 1 Person Dead

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fatal collision invovling a Richland County Deputy and another vehicle occured on Highway 76/378 near Shaw Air Force Base Thursday morning. The accident happened at 10:19 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 76/378 and Highway 441 and involved an SUV and a RCSD patrol car. The driver of the SUV, 68-year-old Philip Hawkins, died on impact at the scene of the crash. The Sherrif's deputy was airlifted to the hospital.

According to the Richland County Sherrif's office, the deputy lives in Sumter County and was on his way to work at the time of the accident.

An investigation is ongoing into the events that led to the accident.

Alabama Wrongful Death Verdict Awards $40 Million Against Kia Motors

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 23, 2011 the Alabama Supreme Court awarded a $40 Million wrongful death verdict against Kia Motors of America, Kia Motors Corporation, and DBI/Celltrion. The case involved the A97 seatbelt buckle that was in Kia Sephia and Sportage car models from the years 1995 to 2000. The buckles had a safety defect which caused them to be susceptible to "false latching". This meant that the user believed they were properly belted when they were not. When an accident occurs, the latch can become unlatched and increase the risk of serious injury or death.

According to records, in 2002 the U.S. Government inquired about the problem and in December of 2002 Kia issued a safety recall for model years 1995-1998. The model years 1999-2000 were not included in the recall even though they had the same seatbelt buckle with the same defect. 189,000 cars were recalled but another 251,000 cars were not recalled and the owners of those vehicles were not notified of the possibly dangerous situation.

The government then inquired in 2004 why the model years 1999-2000 had not been included and asked for samples of the seatbelt buckles be sent for independent testing. Kia did not provide the buckles and in August of 2004 told the U.S. government it would expand the recall to include model years 1999-2000.

Unfortunatly, the recall came too late for Tiffany Stabler. Tiffany turned 16 in May of 2004 and was given a used 1999 Kia Sephia as a gift from her father. Her father had the car serviced at a local Kia dealership and had all recall work done prior to giving his daughter the car. He had no idea that the seatbelt defect existed in the vehicle. He had done everything in his power to make sure the car was safe for his daughter. Since Kia had not recalled that particular model year, even though they knew the defect was present, the defective seatbelt buckles remained in the car. On July 4, 2004 Tiffany was driving the car and wearing her seatbelt when she lost control of the car and was in an accident. The seatbelt failed and Tiffany was ejected from the car. She later died from her injuries.

According to Tiffanys father's attorneys, "Tiffany's death could have and should have been prevented. Hopefully the verdict will result in a change in business practices so that when a product manufacturer knows that its product has a safety defect, it will make full and complete disclosure and promptly recall all of the defective products and not just some of them."

Teen Dies After Hitting Head on Wakeboard

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Rock Hill teenager has died after hitting his head in a wakeboarding accident over the weekend. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said that John Clinton, 19, was wakeboarding in the Dutchman Creek portion of Lake Wateree on Sunday when the accident happened. Clinton fell while wakeboarding and hit his head on the board. Clinton had previously hit his head in another boating accident earlier last week but did not seek treatment for that injury. After hitting his head Sunday, he climbed back on the boat and then became unresponsive. A medical helicopter picked up Clinton and flew him to a nearby hospital where he later died.

The Coroner's office is working to determine whether or not the previous head injury contributed to the cause of death Sunday.

1 Killed In Firey Car Accident on I-26

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The SC Highway Patrol says that 1 person was killed in an auto accident early Tuesday morning on I-26 westbound near Summerville. The accident happened around 4:45 a.m. near mile marker 197 and Sheep Island Road when a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling west went off the left side of the road, overcorrected, went off the right side of the road, into the emergency lane, and then back off the left side of the road. The car then overturned several times, hit several trees, and caught fire. The driver of the car was killed in the accident.

Investigators are still working on the accident to determine what caused the car to leave the roadway.

Drunk Boating Crack Down Underway Across South Carolina

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Coast Guard are on the look-out this summer for drunk boaters. They are anticipating the upcoming 4th of July weekend will be a busy one on Horry County's waterways. Cary Robinson with the SC DNR states that it will be zero tolerance. Anyone who is screened and found to be under the influence will be charged accordingly.

The Coast Guard recently announced a new initiative called "Operation Dry Water" as a national effort to reduce boating under the influence as well as the number of alcohol-related deaths and accidents. The key to safe boating is to be alert and use common courtesy. The SC DNR has stated that in order to avoid a ticket, boaters must make sure they follow all the rules and regulations. Those arrested for boating under the influence can face a $475 fine and may lost boating privlages for 180 days.

Always practice safe boating while enjoying the water. Many accidents and injuries can be prevented by using caution and staying sober.

Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck By 2 Cars

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to authorities, a 22-year-old man died Thursday June 23, 2011 in Lexington County after being struck by two seperate cars while walking down Highway 1. The accident occured just after 9:30 p.m. on Highway 1 near Wattling Road, and police state that Trinity Kelly Carter was in the lane of traffic and was hit by John Bonnette. Sadly, a second car struck Carter and then fled the scene.

Carter died as a result of the accident and an autopsy will determine the cause of death. Police are still looking for the second car that struck Carter and there is still no word on whether charges will be filed.

11 Year Old Boy Killed In ATV Accident

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 11-year-old boy was killed Saturday afternoon after an accident while riding an ATV. Kyle Kelly, 11, was operating the ATV going east near the intersection of Leslie Branham Road and Green Hill Road in Kershaw County around 2:30 p.m. when he went off the right side of the road, hit an embankment, and overturned. The crashed killed Kelly and authorities determined he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The accident happened less than a week before Chandler's Law will take effect. Chandler's Law requires, among other things, that children under the age of 15 complete a safety training course and also wear a helmet and protective eyewear while operating an ATV. This law takes effect July 1, 2011.

The ATV accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Pedestrian Hit and Killed By Car on Highway 22

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man was struck and killed Saturday night on Highway 22 while walking down the road. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that Henry Ford, 51, was hit at 9:17 p.m. by a 2005 Ford Taurus. He was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. He was walking in the left lane of Highway 22 near the intersection of Highway 90 when he was hit. He was wearing dark clothing which made it difficult for the driver to see him. The accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Kills 1, Injures Another

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle accident in Lexington County Saturday night killed 1 person and injured another. The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. when a motorcycle with 2 riders hit the back of a 1995 Ford dump truck. Both the motorcycle and the truck were traveling north on U.S. 21 when the accident occured. The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger on the bike, 28-year-old Nicole Gantt was taken the Palmetto Health Richland. She was also not wearing a helmet. The driver of the truck did not sustain any injuries.

Highway Patrol Troopers have stated that speed is believed to be a factor in the accident and they are currently still investigating the incident.

Tractor-Trailer Involved in Head-On Collision

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Highway 378 in Marion County was closed shortly Tuesday after a tractor-trailer truck accident involving another car. The tractor-trailer crossed the center line and hit another vehicle head-on. The truck then caught fire. One person was airlifted to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and another was taken to Marion Medical Center.

Officals say that the driver of the tractor-trailer will be charged with driving left of center.

9 Year Old Passenger Killed, 4 Others Hurt in Car Accident

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A nine-year-old girl was killed in a single car accident Sunday afternoon near Bishopville. The accident happened on I-20 near Seegars Mill Road around 5:00 p.m. Police investigators state that 29-year-old Jonathan Hux was driving a 2005 GMC SUV east on I-20 when the vehicle went into the median and overturned. 9-year-old Savannah Hux was killed in the accident and Jonathan Hux, Tabitha Hux, and a 5-year-old and 4-year-old were all taken to the hospital with injuries.

The Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the accident.

Single Car Auto Accident Claims Life of A Woman

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Thursday morning auto accident claimed the life of one Pineville woman. According to police, shortly after 5 a.m. Ellen Bland, 74, was heading south on Highway 35 near Fire House Road in Berkeley County when the car she was driving ran off the right hand side of the road, went into a ditch and overturned. Bland was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by the Berkeley County Coroner. She was wearing her seatbelt and officals say the death will be ruled as an accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Mother of 5 Killed in Hit-And-Run Accident

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run accident involving a pedestrian in Orangeburg early Thursday morning killed a mother of five. The Orangeburg County Coroner says that Sharhonda Brown, 33, was hit on Belleville Road just outside of the city limits. The highway patrol located her around 5:15 a.m. and rushed her to the hospital where she later died.

Authorties state that the driver of a light colored SUV may not have known they hit Brown. The accident remains under investigation.

Georgetown Man Hit and Killed By Car

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Georgetown man was killed after being struck by a car while walking on the road early Sunday morning. Ellis Matthew Mercer, 24, was pronoucned dead at the scene on Highway 521 near Bluebird Street in Georgetown. According to authorities, Mercer was walking in the westbound lane of Highway 521 when he was struck by a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer.

The driver of the car was not injured and authorties say she will not be charged in the accident. The highway patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Passenger Dies in Auto Accident on I-95 in Florence County

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Pennsylvania man, who was the passenger in an auto accident in Florence County this morning, has died. Troopers with the SC Highway Patrol state that the accident happened on I-95 near mile marker 150 in Florence just before 5:00 a.m. The Land Rover was traveling south, ran off the road, and overturned. The passenger, Robert Danield, who was asleep in the backseat, was killed in the accident. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by the SC Highway Patrol.

Amtrak Train Hits Car and Kills Two

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two men were killed after a vehicle was hit by an Amtrak train in Chesterfield County early Monday morning. Barney Driggers and Glenn Locklear were killed after an Amtrak train collided with a car at the intersection of Front Street and 3rd Street around 8:30 this morning. Troopers are still trying to figure out the details of the accident.

An investigation will remain ongoing.

Multi-Car Accident on I-26 Causes Traffic Jam

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A multi-car accident on I-26 in North Charleston Tuesday evening caused a major traffic delay. The accident happened near exit 210 in the westbound lanes of I-26 and tied up traffic on both I-26 and I-526. The accident remains under investigation.

Social Security Administration Responsible for $8 Billion in Improper Payments

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to reports from a government investigator, the Social Security Administration made $6.5 billion in overpayments in 2009, including over $4 billion under a supplemental income program for the very poor. Overall, about 10% of the payments made by the Supplemental Security Income program were improper as the program has strict limits on income and assets. Most of the overpayments went to those individuals that did not report all of their resources, according to Patrick P. O'Carroll Jr., inspector general for Social Security. Error rates were much smaller for retirement, survivor and disability benefits which make up the majority of social security payments.

The problem was a result of some people receiving payments they were not entitled to, and others receiving more than they should have. The investigation also showed that Social Security also made $1.5 billion in underpayments which raised the total amount of improper payments to $8 billion overall in 2009.

To help alleviate some of this problem, Social Security has been increasing the number of reviews it completes each year to make sure beneficiaries still meet income and medical requirements. They have also increased their technology to make sure that recipients don't exceed income or asset limits. Unfortunately, keeping track of the Supplemental Security Income program is tough becuase benefits can change each month based on changes in income and living arrangements. The agency will continue to monitor its programs to help reduce the amount of improper payments and reduce budgetary concerns.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC social security disability attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at the The Derrick Law Firm has been handling social security disability cases in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

Two-Car Auto Accident Sends 3 People to Hospital

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A two-car accident Tuesday afternoon in Conway sent three people to the hospital. The accident happened on Singleton Ridge Road near Conway Medical Center. The accident is under investigation.

South Carolina Couple Awarded $1.2 Million in Motorcycle Accident Case

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court awarded $1.2 million to an upstate couple that was severely injured in a motorcycle accident due to a damaged traffic signal. On Monday June 6, the court affirmed in part and reversed in part the decision from the Spartanburg County Circuit Court.

Larry Lee and Jeannie Boiter were injured when the motorcycle they were riding collided with a car at an intersection near Inman, SC. According to the documents, the lightbulbs in the red signal that faced the road the car was travling down had burned out earlier in the day. The couple received major injuries after being thrown from the motorcycle that required lengthy hospital stays, medical bills, and lost wages. The couple settled with the driver of the car for her policy limits.

However, the Boiters filed four seperate lawsuits against the SC Department of Transportation and the SC Department of Public Safety for negligence in their failure to prevent the accident. The Boiters alleged agaisnt the SCDOT that it failed to implement an appropriate re-lamping policy to replace bulbs in traffic signals before they burned out. For the SCDPS, the couple alleged that a citizen's call an hour and twenty-seven mintues prior to the accident reporting the red light outage should have resulted in notifying a trooper to report to the scene and direct traffic.

At the culmination of the trial, the jury found in favor of the Boiters and awarded each of them with a total of $1.875 million. However, the SCDOT and the SCDPS filed motions for judgement notwithstanding the verdict, a new trial, and to reduce the verdict amount pursuant to the Tort Claims Act. As a response to this, the Boiters filed a motion challenging the constitutionality of the two-tier cap in the Tort Claims Act and were able to assert that the agencies' negligence constituted two seperate occurances.

The decision from the circuit court denied the agencies' motions for judgement notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial, as well as the Boiters motion challenging the cap's constitutionality. The court found there was only one occurance and granted the agencies' motion to reduce the verdict pursuant to the Tort Claims Act. Their verdict was reduced to $300,00 each, for a total of $600,000.

The Boiter's appealed to the state's high court. In the ruling, the court said that it did find two seperate occurances in the two seperate acts of negligence commited by the SCDOT and the SCDPS. Therefore, the Boiters demonstrated that there were two occurances and were awarded a combined verdict of $1.2 million.

California City Pays $1.8 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The city of San Diego has agreed to pay $1.8 million dollars in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the city's failure to install a $3,000 traffic signal at an accident prone intersection. The family of Kenneth Charles Sully, a motorcyclist, brought the action against the city after he was killed in April 2009 at the intersection after being hit by a car. City records indicated that a dozen other acccidents had occured at that intersection between 2006 and 2009.

According to the city attorney, Jan Goldsmith, the city had been slow to address the issues at the intersection. A left turn lane had been created, however the city didn't put up any left-turn yield signs or a turn signal which undoubtedly gave motorists the impression that they could turn left into oncoming traffic once the signal turned green. Goldsmith did state that several attempts to fix this issue were not completed because of budget concerns and employee incompetence.

The details of the accident show that Sully was traveling north on Pacific Highway when a car heading the opposite direction turned left onto Cedar Street in front of him. Sully tried to maneuver around the car but was unsuccessful and struck the rear passenger side. He later died of traumatic head injuries. In the lawsuit, his family referred to the the issue as " a foreseeable, preventable accident."

Three months after Sully's death, the city completed the installation of a left-turn signal at the intersection.

Truck Driver Killed in Tractor-Trailer Accident on I-95

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The driver of a United Van Lines tractor-trailer truck died June 11th after the truck he was driving ran off of I-95 near Ridgeland and caught fire. The driver was believed to be heading to Florida. The truck was heading south on I-95 near mile marker 27 when it ran off the left side of the interstate, into the median, struck several trees, and then caught fire. The driver was not identified because he was badly burned in the accident.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Tractor-Trailer Causes Accident Involving Three Other Cars

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident Monday morning on I-20 in Richland County caused traffic delays near Clemson Road. A tractor-trailer collided with three other cars near mile marker 78. The accident happened around 7:40 a.m. and blocked the westbound lanes. Investigators say it is still unclear what caused the collision to occur.

North Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Kills One

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle accident Saturday night claimed the life of one Little River man. Jeff Cole, 51, died of a head injury sustained in the motorcycle accident in a parking lot near Sea Mountain Highway. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was pronounced dead at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center at 10:00 p.m.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Motorcyclist Hits Mailbox, Overturns and Killed

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 54-year-old man died Sunday June 12, after police say the motorcycle he was driving went off the road, hit a mailbox, hit a ditch, and then overturned. The accident happend on Cordova Road in Orangeburg County. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to the hospital where is later pronounced dead.

The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The wreck remains under investigation.

South Carolina Man Dies in Boating Accident in Grand Canyon National Park

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Park Rangers from Grand Canyon National Park recovered the body of a South Carolina man who died in a tragic boating accident on the Colorado River. 39-year-old James J. Waring was part of a six person private river trip that lauched from Lees Ferry. There were two boats, each carrying three people and one of the boats overturned. Waring was carried down river. A passing commercial boat pulled him from the river and administered CPR but were unsuccessful. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was taken to the county's medical examiner's facility in Flagstaff.

Man Dies in Single Car Crash in Columbia

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol confirm that 52-year-old Wilbur Cruel died Friday June 10 after crashing his truck. The auto accident occured around 11:00 P.M. on Clarkson Road in Richland County when he ran off the side of the road and struck a ditch. The impact caused the truck to overturn. Mr. Cruel was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

No one else was injured in the accident and it was investigated by the highway patrol.

Man Dies After Motorcycle Accident

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Society Hill man has died following a motorcycle accident in Bennettsville. Dennis Mitchell Spease, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene after the motorcycle he was riding ran off the road and struck a guardrail. The accident happened around 8:50 p.m. on SC 912. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The accident is still under investigation by the SC Highway Patrol.

Boating Tips During Summer Storms

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Visitors and residents of Horry County enjoy our many waterways during the summer months. However, one thing that can catch even an experienced boater off guard is a summer storm. Lightening is very dangerous on the water, and summer storms typically produce lots of lightening. Below are a few safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones if you find yourselves in the midst of a summer lightening storm.

1.) Don't wait until it's too late. Get off the water as quickly and safely as possible if you see an approaching storm.
2.) Inside is best. The best place to go if possible is inside any cabin on the boat. However, steer clear of masts, chainplates, or large metal appliances like refrigerators.
3.) Keep away from metal. If there is not a place to go and you are forced to stay on deck, stay away from metal railings, wheels, or any other metal fittings.
4.) If you are on an open boat, stay low and in the center. Depending on how bad the lightening is, you may want to remove any jewelry in order to keep from being a "lightening rod".
5.) Stay out of the water; also don't fish or put your feet in the water.
6.) Disconnect the power and antenna that leads to your electronics to keep them from being hit.
7.) Lower antennas. If they are not part of a lightening protection system it is best to lower them.

Finally, if your boat or occupants are struck by lightening here are some helpful tips.

1.) Check people first
2.) Check the bilge. Strikes can can rupture through hull-fittings and punch holes in the hull
3.) Check electronics and compass

It is important for everyone to be safe while enjoying the water this summer. Keep these tips in mind the next time you and your family venture out onto the water.

Motorcycle Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a motorcycle accident Monday afternoon. The accident occured around 4:30 p.m. on Highway 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet. The accident happened when a car traveling north on 17 Bypass made a left turn in front of the motorcycle which was traveling south. The two people on the motorcycle were taken to the hospital for treatment.

The driver of the car has been charged with failure to yield the right of way, according the Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins.

One Person Airlifted After Auto Accident on I-20 in Florence

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Saturday morning eastbound I-20 in Florence was shut down due to a single car auto accident. One person was airlifted to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and two others were transported via ambulance to Florence Regional Medical Center. The auto accident happened around 10:45 a.m. when the driver of an SUV lost control and the SUV rolled multiple times before landing in a swamp alongside the interstate near mile marker 139. Because one person had to be transported via helicopter, the interstate was shut down to serve as the landing zone. The traffic backup was miles long, into Darlington County and west beyond SC 340 interchange.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Spinal Cord Injury Patient First to be Treated With Embryonic Stem-Cell Therapy

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dr. Donald Leslie, who is the medical director at the Shepard Center in Atlanta, is using embryonic stem cell therapy to help treat his patient who suffers from a spinal cord injury. He hopes that through this experimental research that the cure for paralysis can be found.

His first test case is TJ Atchinson. At 21 years old, he is the first human to undergo the experimental treatment. He was home from the University of Alabama with he lost control of his car and sustained a spinal cord injury that caused paralysis from the waist down. The doctor's told him that he would never walk again.

The treatment uses stem cells which are considered the building blocks of life. They have been used in laboratory's to repair the spinal cords of small animals and those animals successfully walked again. The procedure for Atchinson required the doctor's to open his wound and use a remote guided needle to inject the spinal cord with 2 million cells that the doctor's hope will transform into new nerve cells, attach to muscles, and then restart Atchinson's central nervous system. Atchinson's role in the trial is just to prove that the procedure is safe, however he believes that it is already working.

According to Atchinson, he is now able to feel hair being pulled on his legs, and is also able to feel the pressure of a heavy item placed on his lap. These small things are bringing hope and cautious optimism from his doctors. Dr. Leslie said it is very hard to measure sensation but if Atchinson says he can feel something that he was previously unable to feel, then that must be good news.

The doctors will continue to measure Atchinson's strength and test his nerves and muscles. Atchinson will return to school in the fall, but he is still optimistic that his injury is slowly but surely healing.

If you are in need of a Myrtle Beach SC spinal cord injury attorney, Conway lawyer Dirk Derrick at the The Derrick Law Firm has been handling spinal cord injury cases in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway SC for over 23 years. Please call 843-248-7486 today.

SC Legislature Approves Lawsuit Payout Limit Bill has limited effect on personal injury and auto accident cases

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to and new bill passed by the South Carolina Legislature, punitive damage payouts for lawsuits will be limited in South Carolina. The House approved capping punitive damage awards in the typical case at $500,000, or three times the actual damages, whichever is greater.

The bill allows the court to lift the cap if the defendant's conduct could bring a felony conviction or was motivated by unreasonable financial gain. In cases like that, punitive awards are limited to $2 million, or four times the actual damages that include things like lost wages and hospital bills, if that amount is larger. There would be no cap at all if the defendant intended to cause harm, was guilty of a felony tied to the incident, or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The main cause of punitive damages in auto accident cases are individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This bill and the limits it sets are very similar to other states within the southeast, such as the state of Florida.

Initially the House approved a lower cap of $350,000 or triple actual damages and the inital bill also would allow juries to hear whether accident victims were wearing seat belts in auto accidents. Howver, the Senate dropped the seat belt provision and raised the caps after business groups and lawyers spent many hours working out a compromise.

The bill is expected to be approved by Gov. Nikki Haley as early as this week.

Children Operating a Jet Ski or Wave Runner: What You Need to Know

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As the summer begins, many people are flocking the the beaches and area lakes and rivers with boats, jet skis, wave runners, and other personal watercrafts. However, many are unaware about the laws in South Carolina regarding children and teenagers operating things like jet ski's and wave runners. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has created a free downloadable handbook known as The South Carolina Boating Handbook with sections specifically addressing use and operation of personal watercrafts.

According to the handbook, some of the general laws are:
-persons ages 16 and older can operate a personal watercraft with no restrictions
-persons under the age of 16 can drive a boat or personal watercraft less than 15 horsepower without restrictions
-children under the age of 16 can operate a boat or personal watercraft that is 15 horsepower or greater only when accompanied by an adult who is 18 years old or older and that person is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
-anyone operating a personal watercraft must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device

For more information on safety, restrictions, and laws for children and adults operating jet skis, wave runners, or other personal watercraft, the S.C. DNR has provided the handbook free of charge for download from there website. Click here to download your copy today.

Man Killed in Horry County Auto Accident

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kelvin Donell Graham, 44, was killed in an auto accident early Wednesday morning in Horry County. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident occured on Floyd Page Road near Aynor around 12:45 a.m. Graham was driving a 4-door Pontiac east on Floyd Page Road when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Graham was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the auto accident.

The accident is under investigation.

Single Vehicle Auto Accident Kills 21-Year-Old

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old man was killed early Friday morning in a single vehicle auto accident in Manning, SC. According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper, Bill Elder, Parish Wayne Coker II was driving a 4-door toyota when the car went off the right side of North Brewington Road in Manning around 4:30 A.M. He then overcorrected, hit a ditch, and the car then overturned and caught fire. Coker was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared dead at the scene of the accident.

Coker's body was taken to Charleston for an autopsy to help determine the cause of death.

One Person Dead After Motorcycle Accident in Lexington County

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Pelion High School senior just days away from graduation was killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday afternoon. Cody M. Kyzer was riding west on Convent Church Road in Lexington around 4 p.m. when his 2007 Kawasaki went off the right side of the road. Kyzer lost control and fell from the bike. He later died at Lexington Medical Center from injuries sustained in the accident. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck.

The accident was investigated by the Lexington County Coroner's office and the SC Highway Patrol.

Saturday Early Morning Car Accident Kills One

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman is dead following an early morning car accident Saturday. It happened just after midnight in Hampton County. A 21-year-old woman was driving a 2007 Saturn on SC Hwy. 3 when she ran off the side of the road, struck a culvert, and then the car overturned. The South Carolina Highway Patrol states that she was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. She was pronouced dead at the scene of the accident.

The highway patrol continues to investigate the accident.